WINTER WEATHER SAFETY

The American Red Cross of the Susquehanna Valley urges you to use precaution when outdoors in winter storms. Use the following tips to assure your safety during this exciting, yet potentially dangerous time of year.

• Stay indoors during a winter storm.
• If you must go outside, wear several layers of clothing. Cover your head, hands and mouth.
• Walk carefully on snow-covered and icy sidewalks.
• Avoid traveling in a car. But if you must, carry extra blankets, first aid supplies and tools. Also, fill your gas tank and tell someone your destination, route and expected time of arrival.
• After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. Take frequent breaks and avoid overexertion.
• Recognize the symptoms of cold weather illnesses such as hypothermia and frostbite. Symptoms of hypothermia include confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Warning signs of frostbite include gray, white or yellow skin discoloration. Both are serious, so if any of these conditions are present, seek medical attention immediately.