Download free Red Cross Emergency App for winter weather alerts, warnings
The
American Red Cross is preparing to respond in South Carolina, as well as along
the entire East Coast, as a massive winter storm threatens.
In
South Carolina, the Red Cross is on alert, carefully monitoring weather
forecasts, and coordinating closely with local and state partners. Red Cross
volunteers, relief supplies, emergency vehicles and shelters are always ready
to provide help when needed. The winter storm is expected to bring snow and ice to parts
of the state and possible power outages. The Red Cross has safety steps people
should follow during this massive storm which will affect people through the
weekend.
“This storm has the potential to
cause power outages, unsafe driving conditions and home fires. We encourage
everyone to take precautions now and stay informed on the changing conditions,”
said Louise Welch Williams, regional chief executive officer for the American
Red Cross in South Carolina.
GET PREPARED NOW Download
the free Red Cross Emergency App for winter weather
alerts and warnings. The app’s Winter Storm section contains expert advice for
what to do before, during and after winter storms. Get an emergency kit ready
now - details about what should be included are on the Red Cross web
site.
DRIVING If possible, avoid driving in this
storm. If someone has to drive, they 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. Fill
the vehicle’s gas tank and clean the lights and windows to help see. Full details are available here.
POWER OUTAGE In the event of a power outage, please take
the following precautions:
·
Use flashlights, not candles.
·
To avoid an electrical surge, when power returns, turn off and
unplug all unnecessary electronics
·
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible
·
Report
downed power lines to your electric company and keep children and pets away
from the area
·
Don’t
use generator indoors or in other enclosed areas such
as garages or basements
·
Place generators away from doors, windows and vents
·
Connect appliances directly to outlets on the generator – not your
home’s electrical system
· People should never use a stove or oven to heat their home.
If using a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch
sparks and rolling logs
· Place space heaters on a level, hard surface and keep
anything flammable at least three feet away – turn off space heaters and make
sure fireplace embers are out before leaving the room or going to bed.
WINTER WEATHER AFFECTS BLOOD
AND PLATELET DONATIONS The Red Cross
has an emergency need for blood and platelet donors. Since January 1,
more than 60 blood drives in a dozen states were cancelled because of inclement
weather, resulting in more than 2,300 uncollected blood and platelet donations.
With the approaching winter storm predicted to affect multiple states along the
East Coast, more blood drives will likely be cancelled.
Despite the weather, hospital
patients across the country still need blood. Eligible blood and platelet
donors who live in areas where it is safe to travel are encouraged to make an
appointment to give now, and those in areas affected by severe
weather are asked to make and keep appointments when it is safe to do so. To
make an appointment to donate, download the Blood Donor App, visit
redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Full details on how to stay safe are available in the Red Cross Winter Storm preparedness section of
redcross.org.
HOW TO HELP You can help people affected by disasters
like winter storms or countless other crises by making a donation to support
American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare
for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Donate by
visiting www.redcross.org, calling
1-800-RED CROSS
or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Follow
@RedCrossSC on Twitter and Instagram for the latest information from the Red
Cross in South Carolina.
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