| year, exposure to cold, vehicle accidents caused | | | | For information on designated shelters, contact |
| by wintry roads, and fires caused by the | | | | your local emergency management office or |
| improper use of heaters injure and kill hundreds of | | | | American Red Cross chapter. |
| people in the United States. Add these to other | | | | Don’t Forget Those with Special Needs |
| winter weather hazards and you have a significant | | | | You must not forget those with special needs |
| threat to human health and safety. | | | | such as infants and seniors and those unable to |
| Winter storms can range from a moderate snow | | | | care for themselves. If someone on your list has |
| over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, | | | | physical needs and you may be unable to check |
| wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. | | | | on this person, appoint someone to check on |
| Some winter storms are large enough to affect | | | | them and report to you their status and condition. |
| several states, while others affect only a single | | | | Make sure that anyone with special needs has the |
| community. Many winter storms are accompanied | | | | items they would normally need to survive, such |
| by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes | | | | as adult/infant diapers, medical supplies, special |
| by strong winds, icing, sleet, and freezing rain. | | | | foods and/or medications. If there is anyone that |
| How to Protect Yourself in Winter Storms | | | | needs electricity to survive, like a respirator, be |
| Winter storms are considered deceptive killers | | | | prepared with an alternative source such as a |
| because most winter storm deaths are related | | | | power generator. Also, it is a good idea to notify |
| only indirectly to the storms. Overall, most winter | | | | your local fire department (via a non-emergency |
| storm deaths result from vehicle or other | | | | business telephone number) in advance of this |
| transportation accidents caused by ice and snow. | | | | person’s needs. They will do everything in |
| You should avoid driving when conditions include | | | | their power to commit resources to this type of |
| sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow, or dense fog. | | | | special need. Anyone with special needs or a |
| These are serious conditions, that are often | | | | disability should wear a medical alert tag or |
| underestimated, and they make driving and even | | | | bracelet to help identify their individual situation. |
| walking outside very hazardous. | | | | Don’t Forget a Plan for Your Pets |
| Make an Emergency Disaster Preparedness Plan | | | | Due to health regulations, most emergency |
| with you family and review it every six months. | | | | shelters cannot house animals. Find out in advance |
| Each member of the family should know what to | | | | how to care for your pets and working animals |
| do in case of an emergency, know where | | | | when disaster or emergency strikes. You should |
| Survival Kits are kept and know how evacuate or | | | | not leave your pets behind. For more information, |
| shelter in place as the situation dictates. | | | | visit the Animal Safety section on or visit the |
| If, you are evacuated go to a designated public | | | | Humane Society Web site at |
| shelter. Take any Emergency Disaster | | | | Preparing in advance will help you make informed |
| Preparedness supplies that you have with you so | | | | decisions in the event of inclement weather, a |
| that you have enough food and water to last for | | | | disaster or an emergency. So make a disaster |
| at least 72 hours. | | | | plan today and get prepared to survive. |