A nasty winter storm is expected to blow into Central Illinois over the next few days. The American Red Cross is encouraging people to be prepared before and during the storm. This storm is expected to bring heavy snow and potentially ice which may bring hazardous driving conditions and downed trees and power lines. The Red Cross offers these suggestions to help you be prepared and stay safe in the event of a winter emergency.

Before the storm:

1. Store drinking water, canned/no-cook food, non-electric can opener where you can get them easily, even in the dark.
2. Keep cars and other vehicles fueled and in good repair, with a winter emergency kit in each.
3. Get a NOAA Weather Radio to monitor severe weather.
4. Know how to turn off gas, electric power and water in the event of an emergency.
5. If pets cannot come indoors, make sure they are protected by a dry, draft-free enclosure large enough to allow them to sit and lie down, but small enough to hold in the pet’s body heat. Raise the floor a few inches off the ground and cover it with cedar shavings or straw. Turn the enclosure away from the wind and cover the doorway with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic. (source Humane Society of the United States)
6. Assemble essential supplies
a. Flashlight and batteries
b. Portable, battery-powered radio
c. At least one gallon of water per person and a small supply of nonperishable food
d. Red Cross First Aid kit

During the storm:

1. Dress warmly in layers
2. Listen to the radio or television to get the latest information and know the terms
3. Wind Chill – “Wind chill” is a calculation of how cold it feels outside when the effects of temperature and wind speed are combined. A strong wind combined with a temperature of just below freezing can have the same effect as a still air temperature about 35 degrees colder.
4. Winter Storm Watches and Warnings
a. winter storm watch” — Be alert, a storm is likely
b. “winter storm warning” — Take action, the storm is in or entering the area
c. “blizzard warning” — Snow and strong winds combined will produce blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill–seek refuge immediately!
d. “winter weather advisory” — Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, especially to motorists
e. “frost/freeze warning” — Below freezing temperatures are expected and may cause damage to plants, crops, or fruit trees

If you lose power:
1. Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed; an unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for at least a few hours.
2. Know what food is safe to eat. Health and safety experts recommend throwing out these foods if they have not been refrigerated for four or more hours: meat/poultry/seafood; dairy products; cooked pasta; eggs and egg substitutes; casseroles/soups/stews; mayo and tartar sauce.
3. If the power goes off while you are using appliances, turn them off immediately; by doing this, you reduce the risk of overloading their circuitry when the power comes back on.
4. Keep batteries and flashlights in a central, easily accessible location known to everyone. Only use a flashlight for emergency lighting. Never use candles! They are a fire hazard.
5. Do not run a generator inside a home or garage. If you use a generator, connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home’s electrical system.
6. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors. Never use your oven as a source of heat. If the power may be out for a prolonged period, plan to go to another location (relative, friend, or shelter) that has heat to keep warm.
7. Use the phone for emergencies only. Listening to a portable radio can provide the latest information. Do not call 9-1-1 for information, only call to report a life-threatening emergency.
8. When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe — even at a trickle — helps prevent pipes from freezing because the temperature of the water running through it is above freezing.

During this weather system, it is best to stay home and off the roads. If you need to be out, please prepare before you drive.

1. Monitor weather conditions carefully and adhere to travel advisories.
2. Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full; a full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
3. Allow extra time when traveling.
4. Watch carefully for other drivers and plow trucks.
5. Keep a Red Cross First Aid kit and a winter storm survival kit in your car. At minimum, a storm kit should include:
o A battery-powered radio and extra batteries
o Flashlight and extra batteries
o Blankets or sleeping bags
o Jumper cables
o Bottled water and non-perishable snacks
o Compass and road map