Happy anniversary?

For December 1st, today's weather isn't bad.  Sunny, low to mid 40's.  That seems especially nice when compared to what some people were going through last year.



Outside the Cheektowaga Senior Center on December 2nd, 2010

A massive lake effect snow storm hit the area on the evening of December 1st, 2010. The heavy snow, and resulting traffic issues, stranded thousands of drivers on the NYS Thruway near Cheektowaga, some for over 24 hours.  Eventually, area emergency personnel used ATV's and other vehicles to rescue people from their vehicles, bringing 85 people to a Red Cross shelter we set up at the Cheektowaga Senior Center to provide warmth, food and water to people who had spent several hours freezing in their cars.

Volunteers serve up hot meals at Cheektowaga Senior Center

I had the pleasure of working at that shelter, and trust me, none of the people we served that day left their homes on December 1st, 2010 thinking the Thruway would turn into a parking lot, and I'm sure they all wish they had things like non-perishable food, water and blankets in their vehicles.  The time to make sure you're prepared is before an emergency hits, because you probably won't have time to do it afterwards.  We know they're coming, so follow these Red Cross Ready winter storm tips.  And to learn more about what should be in your emergency kits at home and in your car, schedule a free preparedness presentation at your school, business or organization by contacting Denise Herkey-Jarosch at herkeyjaroschd@usa.redcross.org.

Give Something that Means Something this "Black Friday"--and stay safe!

Thanksgiving week is filled with traditions.  Of course, the biggest is the family feast we're all looking forward to tomorrow.  Then, after the food coma wears off, many people will be heading out to do a little holiday shopping.  But as we saw here in Buffalo last year, the stores aren't always the safest place to be on "Black Friday"!

Photo courtesy monacome.com

If you'd like to avoid being run over by the Black Friday madness, stay home and "Give Something that Means Something" instead!  Visit the Red Cross Holiday Giving Catalog online and make a donation in honor of the loved ones on your list this year.  You can give a variety of symbolic gifts that support the Red Cross mission, such as blankets, a full day in an emergency shelter for disaster victims, phone cards for our military men and women, or vaccinations that can save lives around the world.

A recent Red Cross poll showed that four in five Americans said they'd rather receive a charitable donation in their honor than more "stuff" they'll never use.  When you shop the Holiday Giving Catalog, your loved ones will receive a free greeting card, letting them know that this generous donation has been made in their honor, and they'll be satisfied in knowing that they're helping their neighbors in need this holiday season.  And you can stay home, warm and comfy in your jammies, instead of fighting the Black Friday stampedes!

Turkey Day Travel

As the name clearly implies, Thanksgiving is a time to pause and give thanks for all the blessings we have in life.  However, it's not always a time to relax!  The Buffalo News has listed some of the seemingly endless things to do this holiday week, which for many of us includes travelling to see family.  As the article points out, the Wednesday and Sunday of Thanksgiving week are two of the busiest days on the NYS Thruway each year.

Photo courtesy Albany Times-Union

If you're one of the many thousands hitting the road this holiday, make sure you pack up an emergency kit for your car along with the clothes and other essentials.  If you don't know what to include in your emergency kit, check out Denise Herkey-Jarosch on WGRZ-Channel 2's "The Healthy Zone" for some tips on what to get and where to get it.

It's also important that you know what to do in case of an emergency. To report an emergency along the Thruway, call 911 or 1-800-847-8929.  For up-to-date information, go to www.thruway.ny.gov or www.511ny.org. TRANSalerts are free notices sent via e-mail or text messaging to inform motorists of incidents that may affect their travel on the Thruway. Register at http://www.thruway.ny.gov/tas/index.html. NY Alert-free notices sent via e-mail or text messaging regarding a variety of emergency notices such as weather alert.  To learn more visit www.nyalert.gov .

Of course, the Thruway isn't the only place that will be packed this week.  We'll have some tips on how to avoid the "Black Friday" shopping crowds later in the week!

Let it snow?!?

Snow outside the Cheektowaga Senior Center in December 2010

Did you look out the window in downtown Buffalo moments ago?  That white stuff falling from the sky was not a figment of your imagination.  Yep, it's that time of year again--snow.  Thankfully, it didn't last long and hasn't started sticking to the ground here yet, although some of our neighbors to the south may be in for some lake-effect snow over the next couple of days.  However, it should serve as a reminder that winter is on the way, and spur us into action.

Anyone who does any driving in WNY knows that everyone seems to have forgotten how to drive in the snow during the first real winter storm of the season, making for some treacherous travel.  Do you have an emergency kit including food, water and warm blankets in your car in case you're stranded on the roads?  Is your home emergency preparedness kit stocked and ready in case snow restricts travel or knocks out power?

Let this quick snowfall serve as a warning--winter is on the way, and there's nothing we can do about it except be prepared.  So take a look at these winter storm safety tips, and make sure that snow shovel is ready for another Western New York winter!