 |
|
|
|
Winter Tips from Disaster Services
The Winter season is just around the corner, and our community has the chance right now to take some simple steps that can save lives if we are threatened this year by a storm. The disaster relief workers at the Berkshire County Chapter of the American Red Cross work hard in this community every day to provide relief for those whose lives have been torn apart by disasters. However, in addition to helping after a disaster, the Red Cross mission calls for us to play an equally important role in preparing communities BEFORE disaster strikes so that families can learn ways to stay safe when facing the annual winter season.
We know that our region is at risk every year for intense blizzard conditions, so it is particularly vital that we work to keep our families safe by preparing for the winter season before it even starts. Taking a few moments to discuss some simple, common-sense preparedness steps with your family can save your life and the lives of the ones you love.
- Prepare a Personal Evacuation Plan: Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Choose several places--a friend's home in another town, a motel or a shelter. Get a good map and be familiar with your community's evacuation routes. Listen to local media broadcasts or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest storm conditions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately. In case you have to evacuate to a Red Cross shelter, be sure to bring medications, extra clothing, pillows and blankets and other hygiene and comfort supplies for all members of your family. Be sure to also make advance preparations for your pets, which aren't allowed in Red Cross shelters.
- Assemble a Family Disaster Supplies Kit: Have emergency supplies set aside for all household members, including emergency medications, non-perishable food and a non-electric can opener, bottled water (at least three gallons per day per person), a battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries, extra clothes, important documents, cash, a first aid kit and other special items for infants, pets, and elderly or disabled family members.
- Prepare for High Winds and Heavy Snow: Make trees more resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs, then strategically removing branches so that wind can blow through. Install permanent shutters on your windows and add protection to the outside areas of sliding glass doors. Strengthen garage doors. Move or secure lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants and anything else that can be picked up by wind and become a projectile.
For more information on winter preparedness, contact the Berkshire County Chapter of the American Red Cross at 413-442-1506 or 1-800-332-2030. Together, we can save a life.
|
|
|
