Northshore Conifer posted on January 11, 2011 15:06
As the low temperatures continue, the American Red Cross Southeast Louisiana Chapter recommends taking a few steps that will help you stay safe despite the winter weather. The Southeast Louisiana Chapter Disaster Action Teams responded to four fires in New Orleans and one in Pontchatoula from last night to this morning.
“Following the tragic fires we responded to this morning, we want to remind the community to practice Fire Safety. Fires can strike suddenly and spread quickly,” said Kay Wilkins, CEO of the Southeast Louisiana Chapter. “It is important that people take simple and inexpensive steps now, such as installing a smoke alarm inside bedrooms, outside sleeping areas and on every level of their homes. Everyone should also create a plan of escape in case they need to leave at a moment’s notice, because during a fire every second counts and being prepared can greatly reduce the affects of these devastating disasters.”
The Red Cross recommends, in the event that power goes out, stocking up on easy-to-prepare foods, medications for family members, diapers, baby formula, pet food, extra-batteries for flashlights, and hygiene items like toilet paper and tissues. In addition, the Red Cross offers the following ideas to help stay safe during cold temperatures:
Tips for Staying Safe at Home
- Be careful with candles – do not use candles for lighting if the power goes out. Use flashlights only.
- Don’t use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement or garage. Locate unit away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
- Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.
- If you plan on using a fireplace to stay warm, keep a glass or metal fire screen around the fireplace and never leave a lit fire unattended.
- If using a space heater, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to safely use the heater. Place it on a level, hard, nonflammable surface. Turn the space heater off when you leave the room or go to sleep. Keep children and pets away from your space heater and do not use it to dry wet clothing.
- Avoid overloading electrical outlets.
- Check on your animals and make sure that their access to food and water is not blocked by ice or other obstacles. If possible, bring pets indoors.
Tips for Protecting Yourself While Outdoors and Traveling
- Dress in several layers of lightweight clothing, which will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat.
- Mittens provide more warmth to your hands than gloves. Wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears.
- Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.
- Avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle or dense fog.
- Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of hypothermia including confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering.
- Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of frostbite including numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, or waxy feeling skin.
For more information on how to keep safe and prepared for any emergency, contact the Southeast Louisiana Chapter at 504-620-3105 or visit
www.arcno.org. Connect with the Southeast Louisiana Chapter at www.facebook.com/RedCrossSELA, www.twitter.com/RedCrossSELA, andwww.youtube.com/RedCrossSELA.