FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lu Esposito
American Red Cross
919-235-8769
The American Red Cross Urges Safety and Vigilance
Through Winter Weather and Potential Power Outages
RALEIGH February 12, 2014 – Current forecasts indicate that more snow, ice, and freezing rain will
come our way over the next few days. The Triangle Region of the American Red Cross is ready to
respond to potential needs that may arise due to the imminent storms, and strongly encourages residents
to be proactive in preparing for the coming winter weather.
“By preparing together for winter storms, we can make our families safer and our communities stronger,”
Barry Porter, Triangle Region Executive said. “Power outages are not just an inconvenience, they can be
dangerous. We urge people to stay safe, use caution and common sense.” Two shelters opened at 5 pm
last night. They are Mineral Springs Elementary in Ellerbe, North Carolina, and Richmond Senior High
School in Rockingham, North Carolina.
There is currently a shelter open in Richmond County at:
Richmond Senior High School
838 US Highway 1
Rockingham, NC 28379
Stay tuned for any additional openings that could be announced throughout the day.
Tips for Being Safe in a Power Outage
Food Safety During a Power Outage





Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. First use perishable food
from the refrigerator. An unopened refrigerator will keep foods cold for about 4 hours.
Then use food from the freezer. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours (24
hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.
Use your non-perishable foods and staples after using food from the refrigerator and freezer.
If it looks like the power outage will continue beyond a day, prepare a cooler with ice for your
freezer items.
Keep food in a dry, cool spot and keep it covered at all times.
Electrical Equipment During a Blackout

Turn off and unplug all unnecessary electrical equipment, including sensitive electronics.




Turn off or disconnect any appliances (like stoves), equipment or electronics you were using
when the power went out. When power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage
equipment.
Leave one light turned on so you’ll know when the power comes back on.
Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic lights will be out and roads will be
congested.
Read more about using generators safely.
Caution: Carbon Monoxide Kills





Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoalburning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area.
Locate unit away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come
indoors.
The primary hazards to avoid when using alternate sources for electricity, heating or cooking
are carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire.
Install carbon monoxide alarms in central locations on every level of your home and outside
sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide.
If the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move quickly to a fresh air location outdoors or by an
open window or door.
Call for help from the fresh air location and remain there until emergency personnel arrive to
assist you.
More information can be found at Redcross.org
http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/power-outage
As with any disaster, preparation can be the difference between life and death. The Red Cross
recommends that individuals and families prepare for winter storms by:

Assembling an Emergency Preparedness Kit: Pack a winter-specific supply kit that includes a
warm coat, hat, mittens or gloves, and water-resistant boots, along with extra blankets and extra
warm clothing. Sand or non-clumping kitty litter is good to have on hand to help make walkways
or steps less slippery. Additionally, make sure you have a first aid kit and essential medications,
canned food and can opener, bottled water, flashlights and a battery-powered radio with extra
batteries in your home in the event of a power outage.

Heeding Storm Warnings: A winter storm WATCH means winter storm conditions are possible
within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and
stay informed about weather conditions via NOAA Weather radio, or local radio or television
stations. A winter storm WARNING means that life-threatening, severe winter conditions have
begun or will begin within 24 hours. Individuals in a warning area should take precautions
immediately.

Preparing Your Home and Car: Prepare your car by keeping the gas tank full, which will help to
keep the fuel line from freezing. Make sure your home is properly insulated by installing storm
windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to help keep cold air out. Maintain
heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year. Running
water, even at a trickle, helps to prevent pipes from freezing.
Winter Storms have created an urgent need for blood
 While thousands of people from across the country responded to the call for blood and platelet
donations issued by the Red Cross earlier this month, there continues to be an urgent need



for blood donors mostly due to severe winter weather. The last storm alone has forced the
cancellation of blood drives and the loss of 14,000 units of donations.
Like the emergency room of a hospital, the Red Cross needs to be prepared to respond to
patient emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The need is particularly
urgent for O, A- and B-.
To schedule an appointment to donate, viewers may visit us online at redcrossblood.org or
call 1-800-RED CROSS.
If you have a question on whether a blood drive has been cancelled, please visit
redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.
Traveling in a winter storm
BEFORE YOU LEAVE:
 Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car
gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.
 Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in your trunk. Pack high-protein snacks, water, first aid kit,
flashlight, small battery-operated radio, an emergency contact card with names and phone
numbers, extra prescription medications, blankets and important documents or information
you may need.
 Find out how you would get information in the event of a disaster (local radio systems,
emergency alert systems).
 Fill the vehicle’s gas tank and clean the lights and windows to help you see. Don’t let the gas
tank get too low during the trip.
 Use your seat belts and give your full attention to the road and avoid distractions such as cell
phones.
 Don’t follow other vehicles too closely and use caution in work zones.
DURING THE STORM
 Many states now use flashing signs along the highways to warn drivers about severe weather
threats. If you pass one of these signs, tune into a local radio station to listen to weather
forecasts for where you are.
 Avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog.
For more information on winter storm preparedness, contact 1-800 RED CROSS. We urge you to share
these Red Cross winter storm preparedness tips with every member of your household, because the best
protection is to be prepared ahead of time.
Cold weather safety tips on RCO: http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Cold-Weather-Safety
Prepare for winter storms, including pet safety and preventing frozen pipes (in column on left):
http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/winter-storm
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40
percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports
military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and
the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/triangle,
join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @TACRedCross.
Triangle Region
The Triangle Area Chapter, located in Raleigh, is the central office for the Triangle Region and covers Wake,
Chatham, Franklin, Johnston, Lee and Warren Counties. The Central North Carolina Chapter, based in Durham,
covers Durham, Granville, Orange, Person and Vance Counties. The Highlands Chapter, based in Fayetteville,
serves Bladen, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, and Sampson counties. The Scotland County Chapter, located in
Laurinburg, includes a Robeson County Branch, and the Moore County Chapter, located in Southern Pines,
includes a Richmond County Branch.