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.

Snow snow everywhere...

Since I grew up shoveling a very long driveway, I appreciate the fact that when I come home after a very blizzardy day to my quant apartment, I’m not responsible for shoveling the driveway.  No more waking up in the morning with all of my muscles hurting, freezing out in the cold or having snow frozen in my hair for hours from my brothers lovingly dumping their shovels full of snow on me.  But not everyone is lucky enough to have a snow shoveling landlord. 

Most people have homes, cars and children that need to be carted around, which means that the two feet of snow that has piled up on your 20 ft driveway needs to be moved if anyone plans on getting in or out.  Not always the easiest or safest task.  

Did you know?

·         Just 15 minutes of snow shoveling is equal to 30 minutes of moderate physical activity.

o   Strokes and heart attacks are the second most common reason that people are sent to the emergency rooms during snow storms. Anyone who has already had a heart attack, has a history of heart disease, has high blood pressure has high cholesterol, lives a sedentary lifestyle or even smokes should approach snow shoveling with extreme caution.

So, here are some snow shoveling tips!!

·         Dress in layers

·         Don’t put your back into it!

o   Back injury is a common health risk of shoveling snow. Using the wrong muscles can cause great pain or send someone to the hospital. It's very important to stretch and warm your body up prior to snow shoveling to prevent injury.

§  Use proper body mechanics:

            ·         Stand with feet at hip width for balance

·         Bend from the knees

·         Keep the shovel close to the body

·         Tighten stomach muscles while lifting

·         Avoid twisting movements

·         Pick the right shovel!!

o   Larger snow shovel=Faster shoveling=Higher risk of injury

o   An average snow shovel can hold up to 16 pounds of snow, which will add up quick once you get through your entire driveway and sidewalk!

o   By using a smaller shovel you will reduce your chance of injury

·         Stay hydrated!!

o   Cold weather can dehydrate the human body

o   Take frequent water breaks, about every 10-15 minutes, and warm up your hands and feet! 

o   Avoid alcohol

o   Avoid caffeine or nicotine before shoveling because they cause blood vessels to constrict, placing extra stress on the heart

·         PUSH the snow

o   Why make more work for yourself? It’s much easier on your body and will still get the job done.  

If snow shoveling is too much of a risk for your health, consider paying the neighbor’s kids (unless you have your own!) a few dollars  to shovel your walks or driveway. It may just save your life.

Stay safe!! And have a great winter.

For more information, please visit our disaster preparedness section online, and to schedule a presentation for your work, church or other organization, please contact Denise Herkey-Jarosch, Regional Coordinator, NYS Citizens Preparedness Program at (716) 878-2231 or Herkeyjaroschd@usa.redcross.org.

Special thanks to the Army Corps of Engineers for this great information!!

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!