WILKES-BARRE — As a winter storm approaches the region, American Red Cross is preparing to respond as Old Man Winter makes an impact just days before spring.
The Red Cross Northeast PA chapter is on alert and carefully monitoring weather forecasts, according to a news release. The agency is also ready to dispatch volunteers, relief supplies, emergency vehicles, and utilize shelters to provide assistance.
American Red Cross also urges citizens to take steps to be prepared as the storm hits the areas.
• Wear layers of lightweight clothing to stay warm.
• Take frequent breaks when shoveling snow and stay hydrated.
• Check on children, elderly neighbors and people with disabilities. Bring pets inside and move livestock to sheltered areas.
• In the event of a power outage, never use a generator, grill, or other fuel or charcoal burning device inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Locate them away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
• Watch for hypothermia and frostbite. Hypothermia symptoms include confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Frostbite symptoms include numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, or waxy feeling skin.
• If possible, avoid driving in this storm. Commuters that have to venture out should have a window scraper, kitty litter or sand in case their vehicle gets stuck, extra clothes, and a Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk.
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