Winter is Coming

Winter is coming! Or, to be more accurate, winter is here with much of the region under winter storm warnings and/or watches starting Thursday. Here in Western and Central New York, we're more than more than familiar with winter weather, but it's still important we're all prepared for the upcoming storms and weather that could make travel and being outside difficult:

• Download the Emergency App for iPhone or for Android to get real time weather alerts, shelter locations, and additional safety tips
• Talk with your family about what to do if a winter storm watch or warning is issued. Discussing winter storms ahead of time helps reduce fear, particularly for young children.
•  Listen to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates.
• Be prepared to evacuate if you lose power or heat and know your routes and destinations. Find a local emergency shelter.
• Check emergency kit and replenish any items missing or in short supply, especially medications and medical supplies. Keep it nearby.
• Be sure you have ample heating fuel.
• If you have alternative heating sources, such as fireplaces, wood- or coal-burning stoves, or space heaters, be sure they are clean and in working order.
• Check that your fire extinguisher(s) is in good working order, and replace it if necessary.
• Bring your companion animals inside and ensure that your horses and livestock have blankets if appropriate and unimpeded access to shelter, food, and non-frozen water 

Driving in Winter Conditions

• Keep in your vehicle:

• A windshield scraper and small broom
• A small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels and a set of tire chains or traction mats
• Matches in a waterproof container
• A brightly colored (preferably red) cloth to tie to the antenna
• An emergency supply kit, including warm clothing. Bring enough of the following for each person:
• • Blankets or sleeping bags
  • Rain gear, extra sets of dry clothing, mittens, socks, and wool hats
  • Newspapers for insulation
  • Plastic bags for sanitation
  • Canned fruit, nuts, and high energy snacks (Include a non-electric can opener if necessary)
  • Warm broth in a thermos and several bottles of water
  • Keep a cell phone or two-way radio with you. Make sure the battery is charged.
  • Plan to travel during daylight and, if possible, take at least one other person with you.
• Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full so you can leave right away in an emergency and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your vehicle gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
• Before leaving, listen to weather reports for your area and the areas you will be passing through, or call the state highway patrol for the latest road conditions.
• Be on the lookout for sleet, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and dense fog, which can make driving very hazardous

If You Become Stranded

• Stay in the vehicle and wait for help. Do not leave the vehicle to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards (91 meters). You can quickly become disoriented and confused in blowing snow.
• Display a trouble sign to indicate you need help. Hang a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) on the radio antenna and raise the hood after snow stops falling.
• Run the engine occasionally to keep warm. Turn on the engine for about 10 minutes each hour (or five minutes every half hour). Running the engine for only short periods reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and conserves fuel. Use the heater while the engine is running. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and slightly open a downwind window for ventilation.
• Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.
• Do light exercises to keep up circulation. Clap your hands and move your arms and legs occasionally. Try not to stay in one position for too long.
• If more than one person is in the vehicle, take turns sleeping. If you are not awakened periodically to increase body temperature and circulation, you can freeze to death.
• Huddle together for warmth. Use newspapers, maps, and even the removable floor mats for added insulation. Layering items will help trap more body heat.
• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Severe cold can cause numbness, making you unaware of possible danger.
• Drink fluids to avoid dehydration, which can make you more susceptible to the ill effects of cold and to heart attacks.
• Avoid overexertion. Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Shoveling snow or pushing a vehicle can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse

Staying Safe Outside

If you must go outside, protect yourself from winter storm hazards:

• • Wear layered clothing, mittens or gloves, and a hat. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Mittens or gloves and a hat will prevent the loss of body heat.
  • Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from severely cold air. Avoid taking deep breaths; minimize talking.
  • Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
  • Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses much of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly away from the body.
  • Stretch before you go out. If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body. This will reduce your chances of muscle injury.
  • Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a vehicle, or walking in deep snow. The strain from the cold and the hard labor may cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to a chill and hypothermia.
  • Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks. Slips and falls occur frequently in winter weather, resulting in painful and sometimes disabling injuries.
  • If you must go out during a winter storm, use public transportation if possible. About 70 percent of winter deaths related to ice and snow occur in automobiles.

To protect your home during winter storms:

• Learn how to protect pipes from freezing.
• Make sure your home heating sources are installed according to local codes and permit requirements and are clean and in working order.
• Make sure your home is properly insulated. Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out.
• Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide an extra layer of insulation to keep cold air out.
• Consider buying emergency heating equipment, such as a wood- or coal-burning stove or an electric or kerosene heater.
• Stoves must be properly vented and in good working order. Dispose of ashes safely. Keep a supply of wood or coal on hand.
• Electric space heaters, either portable or fixed, must be certified by an independent testing laboratory. Plug a heater directly into the wall socket rather than using an extension cord and unplug it when it is not in use.
• Use a kerosene heater only if permitted by law in your area; check with your local fire department. Use only the correct fuel for your unit. Properly ventilate the area. Refuel the unit outdoors only, and only when the unit is cool. Follow all of the manufacturer's instructions.
• Consider storing sufficient heating fuel. Regular fuel sources may be cut off. Be cautious of fire hazards when storing any type of fuel.
• If you have a fireplace, consider keeping a supply of firewood or coal. Be sure the fireplace is properly vented and in good working order and that you dispose of ashes safely.
• Consider installing a portable generator, following our safety tips to avoid home fires and carbon monoxide poisoning
• Consider purchasing flood insurance, if you live in a flood-prone area, to cover possible flood damage that may occur during the spring thaw. Homeowners' policies do not cover damage from floods. Ask your insurance agent about the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) if you are at risk. More information on NFIP is available at www.fema.gov/nfip.

Flood? Fire? Flu? We've got you covered!

The snow is falling, falling, falling today! But just hold on Buffalonians, a warm up is on the way!

But that warmer weather means that all of our nice fluffy snow is going to melt and cause another week of flood watches and warnings across WNY. So for today, we thought it would be a great idea to provide you with some links to information that will help you get prepared for all of the possible disasters that can be thrown your way. 

So what do you still need to prepare for?

Flood Information from:
FEMA

New York State Health

Ready.gov

American Red Cross

Fire information from:

Buffalo Red Cross  

Red Cross

FEMA

USFA

Seasonal flu information from:

Flu.gov

Buffalo Red Cross

American Red Cross

Flu preparedness

CDC

Winter storm information from:  

FEMA

CDC

NOAA

Buffalo Red Cross

American Red Cross

Haven’t made your emergency supplies kit yet? Click below for step by step help from the Red Cross!Red Cross tips

Want more information? Contact Denise Herkey-Jarosch at (716) 878- 2231 or HerkeyJaroschD@usa.redcross.org  to schedule a Be Red Cross Ready presentation so that you can be prepared!

Hot or cold?

Mother Nature just can’t seem to make up her mind here in Buffalo! It was in the 50’s last week, with green grass finally getting to brighten up our lawns and all that old snow and ice melting away, and now here we are, yet again, in the midst of a winter storm watch! Regardless of how much we want to put on our Bermuda shorts, flip flops and sit and picnic in the park, we need to stay alert and prepared, and you will be after reading our following tips below!

Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit for Home, Containing--

• Food- at least 3 day’s supply of non-perishable, easy to prepare foods such as canned food. Don’t forget a can opener.

• Bottled water (at least one gallon of water per person per day to last at least 3 days).

• First aid kit and essential medications.

• Battery or crank-powered NOAA weather radio, flashlight, and extra batteries

• Extra warm clothing, including boots, mittens, and a hat.

• Cell phone with charger.

• Sanitation and personal hygiene items.

• Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit for your car, too.  Make sure your gas tank is full before travelling.

If the Power Goes Out--

• Do not use candles for lighting. Use flashlights or glow sticks only.

• Use items in the refrigerator first, then the freezer, then non-perishable foods.

• Use generators correctly – If you have a portable generator and the power goes out, always plan to keep the generator outdoors. Never operate it inside, never in the basement, garage, carport, or near any open windows.  Connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator.  Do not hook up a generator directly to your home's wiring.

Know What Winter Storm WATCHES and WARNINGS Mean--

• A Winter Storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area.  People in a Watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions via NOAA Weather radio, or local radio and television stations

• A Winter Storm WARNING means a winter storm has already begun or will soon begin in your area.  Individuals in a Warning area should take immediate precautions.

So remember, only 24 more days until spring! We can do it Buffalo!

For more information on winter storm preparedness, please contact the American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter at (716) 886-7500, or visit us online.

Storms A'Brewin'!!

Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that a massive winter storm is headed our way this evening, predicted to dump over a foot of snow on Western New York by 10pm Wednesday.  As we've already seen this winter, it doesn't take nearly that much of the white stuff to cause problems.  Hopefully everyone will stay safe this time around, but thanks to your support, the Red Cross is ready to help if needed.  In fact, we've done this sort of thing before!

 

In early December, a lake effect snow storm left some travelers stranded on New York State Thruway for over 24 hours.  Our Disaster Action Team set up a shelter at the Cheektowaga Senior Center, providing 85 people with a food, water, a way to contact loved ones, and most importantly, heat!  The Red Cross also provided hotel rooms for 13 people who didn't have a way home at the end of the evening.

During that same storm, a family was forced out of the house they were renting after the weight of multiple feet of snow caused the roof to collapse on the home. The Red Cross provided the family with money for food, new clothes, and a place to stay. Our staff also worked with the family to create a plan to help them put their lives back together, offering to pay the security deposit and first months rent on a new apartment.

Of course, when high winds combine with snow and ice, a widespread disaster including massive power outages is always possible.  Think back to October of 2006--the surprise storm left hundreds without power for days, with trees and power lines covering roads and damaging houses.  The Red Cross opened shelters across Erie County, even setting up cots for people to stay with us right here at Chapter heaquarters!

We count on you to be there for us, year after year, with your meaningful gift to the American Red Cross.  Donating is simple--just go to our website and help us continue to be What Happens Next when disaster strikes.  While you're there, check out some of our winter preparedness tips and make sure our winter wonderland doesn't turn into a nightmare.

Keep those pipes from becoming POPsicles!

Nothing is more irritating then the sudden realization that you have no water and that nagging possibility that your home may become a miniature version of  Niagara Falls at any minute.  Because of this, we thought it would be a good idea to put out some informative information about this fun phenomenon that plagues us cold climate dwellers, especially since, if you haven’t noticed, the temperature has been dipping into the negatives! 

Why does it matter if your pipes freeze?

Water expands when it freezes.  Because of this, pipes holding water at the time of freezing are put under a tremendous amount of pressure, which will cause them to break, regardless of their strength. 

What pipes should you be worried about?

Those that are exposed to severe cold:

• Outdoor hose bibs
• Swimming pool supply lines
• Water sprinkler lines
• Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like:
• Basements
• Crawl spaces
• Attics
• Garages
• Kitchen cabinet
• Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation

How might you prevent frozen pipes you ask? 

• Before it gets cold…
• Drain the water from your swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer's or installer's directions
• Do NOT put antifreeze in these lines unless directed
• Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors
• Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs
• Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain
• Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break
• Check around the house for other areas where water supply lines are located and are in unheated areas
• Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
• Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated!
• A hot water supply line can freeze just as a cold water supply line can freeze if the water is not running through the pipe and the water temperature in the pipe is cold.
• Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes
• "Pipe sleeve"
• UL-listed:
• "Heat tape"
• "Heat cable"
• Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes
• Even ¼" of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing!

Get PREVENTATIVE during cold weather!

·         Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.

·         Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing

o   Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children!

·         If it’s very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes.

o   Did you know… running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing?

§  The temperature of the water running through it is above freezing!

·         Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night.

o   By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you might have a higher heating bill, but it won’t cost as much as repairing your pipes if they freeze and burst!

·         If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55ºF.

Oh no! You didn’t see these tips in time and your pipes froze?

How to thaw frozen pipes!  

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out… suspect a frozen pipe. Locate the suspected frozen area of the water pipe, which will likely be a pipe running against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.

• Keep the faucet open.
• As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area… Running water through the pipe will help melt more ice in the pipe!
• Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water
• Do NOT use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device!
• A blowtorch can make water in a frozen pipe boil and cause the pipe to explode. All open flames in homes present a serious fire danger, as well as a severe risk of exposure to lethal carbon monoxide
• Apply heat until full water pressure is restored.
• If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber
• Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too

How to protect yourself for the next cold wave?

• Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing
• Pipes can be relocated by a professional if the home is remodeled
• Add insulation added to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.

For more information, please contact a licensed plumber or building professional.

For more information on disaster safety, check us out online or contact the American Red Cross Chapter Greater Buffalo Chapter at 716-886-7500!

Content derived from:  Federal Emergency Management Agency, Mississippi State University Extension Service, MH2 Technologies Ltd., Myplumber.com, State Farm Insurance Company, and Vancouver, BC, Waterworks Department.

Too cold to build that snowperson?

Hot cocoa, books and coloring can only hold kids for so long. And once the cupboards are raided, zoning out in front of the television is generally most family’s next activity.  But being stuck inside with your family can be a great opportunity for everyone to take a break from their hectic lives and reconnect!

Here are some of our favorite games to play with our families when it’s too cold to go outside:

Charades
Foot volleyball
Roll the marble
Shuffle caps
Tag-team drawing
Monopoly
Scrabble
Sorry
Trivial Pursuit

So turn off the t.v. and turn on the family fun this winter!  If you do decide to brave the frigid weather, click here for some of our winter safety tips.

Does your family have a favorite cold weather game? Let us know what it is!

Winter what?

If you’ve ever lived in an area that gets snow, then you’ve probably heard the terms winter storm watch, winter storm warning and blizzard before… but does anyone really know what they mean?  Even we here at the Chapter find it all a little confusing, so we thought it would be a good thing to look into so we know what they’re talking about on our favorite weather stations!

Winter Storm Outlook-Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2 to 5 days.

Winter Storm Watch-Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions.

Winter Weather Advisory- Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening.

Winter Storm Warning- Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. People in a warning area should take precautions immediately.

Blizzard Warning- Strong winds; blinding wind-driven snow; dangerous wind chill is expected; it is strongly advised to take shelter. 

Is your school, company or other organization prepared for warnings such as these? If not, you might benefit from a Be Red Cross Ready presentation that addresses issues such as winter preparedness! For more information, please contact Denise Herkey-Jarosch, Regional Coordinator, NYS Citizens Preparedness Program at (716) 878-2231 to set up a presentation, or visit the Chapter online for winter preparedness tips.

Bundle up Buffalo!

With wind-chills putting Buffalo well below 20 degrees, we think it’s about time that the Chapter brushes everyone up on how to be prepared when outdoors in this chilly weather! 

Bring tissues: Nothing is worse than being outside with a drippy nose, so be sure to pack some tissues so icicles don’t start forming!

Light layers:  This doesn’t mean putting on 5 of our heaviest sweaters, 3 pairs of heavy wool socks, snow pants and two hats.  Layering is all about light layers, a hat, gloves and waterproof boots and coat to keep your toes, feet, socks and clothing warm and dry while keeping the wind out. 

Pay attention to signs of frostbite: If your fingers are becoming stiff, red, off colored and/or numb… get inside to warm up! You don’t want to risk damaging your body in the frigid Buffalo weather, so be sure to bundle up and be aware of places that you can stop and go indoors to warm up if traveling outdoors.

Pay attention to the forecast: If the weather service is telling you to not travel unless necessary… don’t travel unless it’s necessary!

Remember your pets: If you’re cold outdoors, your pet probably is too.  Be aware of the fact that their paws are walking in the snow and ice, and that the salt that is hopefully on the shoveled sidewalks keeping you from slipping will still be on their paws when indoors.  So keep their walks outdoors short, rinse off their paws afterwards, and remember that they get cold too!

Take something warm: If you’re going on a long outdoor journey in the frigid weather, try to bring a warm drink to keep your fingers and insides warm.

Treaded boots: Nothing is more painful, embarrassing or just plain annoying than slipping on the ice or slick pavement when walking in a blizzard.  So be sure to have boots that are not only waterproof but that will keep you from falling when encountering slippery conditions outdoors.

We often think that because we’re from Buffalo we can handle all types of weather, but as we’ve realized here at the Chapter, we haven’t had a hard winter here in Buffalo for a few years!  With multiple storms already this winter season... and spring still months away… we hope that you be cautious, prepared and stay up to date with us for tips on staying safe!

For more tips on staying safe this winter season visit us online!

Travel advisory

If you’re among the thousands traveling this holiday, we hope that you’re taking steps to be prepared!  Here are some essentials that you should make sure you pack up in your cars this holiday season when traveling, whether to see the in-laws in Portland or the elves up at the North Pole! 

-AAA membership

-Activities for all travelers

-Adults and teens-books, magazines, IPod/MP3 player, DVD player

-Kids-books, IPod, paper and crayons (for coloring, making Cootie Catchers, Hangman, Tic-Tac-Toe or the license plate game) and travel versions of games, like my personal favorites, Rush Hour and Bananagrams!

-A full tank of gas (One less thing to worry about if you get stuck in traffic)

-Battery operated radio

-Blankets for all travelers

-Car cell phone chargers

-Car scrapers/brush and shovel

-Coats, scarves, gloves and boots for all travelers

-Empty coffee cans or bottles (with lids!) for makeshift facilities

-Extra clothing for all travelers

-Extra food/snacks for all travelers

-Extra plastic bags

-Extra water for all travelers

-Map and directions

-Something brightly colored and reflective that can be used to call attention to your car if needed

While some of these items may seem a bit excessive to pack, if you find yourself stuck out on the road during a blizzard, accident related traffic jam or a closed road, you will be happy to have taken the extra time to be prepared! As some unlucky individuals recently discovered when stuck on the Thruway for 48 hours here in Buffalo, taking the time to pack up some comforts and essentials can go a long way in maintaining you and your family’s sanity in a rough situation!

You can click here for more winter preparedness tips, visit our store to purchase an emergency kit or check out FEMA's winter driving tips. 

If you think that your school, company or other organization would benefit from a Be Red Cross Ready presentation that addresses issues such as winter preparedness, please contact Denise Herkey-Jarosch, Regional Coordinator, NYS Citizens Preparedness Program at (716) 878-2231 to set up a presentation

Happy winter!

After looking out the window for the past few weeks, it seems like we’ve already had our share of snow… but winter only officially begins today Buffalo!  With yourself, your friends and relatives all doing a lot of traveling and visiting, it’s important to be prepared for a lot of situations.  What if a big snow storm hit and you lost power in your home for 3 days with all of your relatives stuck because of travel ban? Would there be enough non-perishable food and water for all of you? 

Being short on food generally isn’t a huge concern around the holidays.  However, many of my holiday favorites require refrigeration… and although eating 20 servings of my mom’s amazing éclair cake might get me through the first day (and would definitely make it a very enjoyable one!) it wouldn’t be safe to eat that when it isn’t refrigerated for 2-3 days.    That’s why it’s important to sort through your cupboards now!

See how much canned food and other non-perishable items like granola bars, nuts and water you have.  Looking now will allow you to just add the extra items you need to your holiday grocery shopping, let you easily check one more thing of that long holiday check list and allow you to rest a little easier knowing that although that winter warning may be blinking across the bottom of the television screen... you and your guests are ready!

Other things to be sure to have on hand:

• Activities that don’t require electricity… that means no Wii or holiday movies!
• Cards- Go Fish, Hearts, I Doubt It, Old Maid, Slapjack, Solitaire, Spoons and my favorite… Euchre!
•  Don’t know how to play any of those? Click on the links above to get instructions and learn how… BEFORE the electricity goes out!
• Board games- Apples to Apples, Jenga, Monopoly, Scrabble and Twister… just to name a few of our favorites here at the Chapter!
• Batteries
• Blankets
• Flashlights (NO candles… the prevalence of fires always goes up during power outages due to the increased use)
• Generator (If you have one make sure that it is outdoors)
• Hand can opener
• Know Buffalo’s emergency evacuation routes, as they are the most likely to be cleared
• Broadway, Clinton Street, Delaware Avenue, Elmwood Avenue, Exchange Street, Genesee Street, Main Street, Niagara Street, Seneca Street, South Park Avenue and William Street
• Shovels and salt

So Buffalo, take the hint from Mother Nature! Get prepared with us here at the Chapter because March 20^th (the first day of spring) is a long way away!  For more winter preparedness tips and advice on what to stock up on, visit the Chapter online!