The National Weather Services issued a winter weather advisory for the state of Maine today and the Mid Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross is reminding its residents to prepare for this and other storms.
“The Mid Coast Chapter is urging families and individuals to be prepared for the coming storm,” said Hillary Roberts, the chapter’s Director of Emergency Services.
“There are simple things people can do to be more prepared, like avoiding unnecessary travel, continuing to listen and watch weather reports on the news, and having a disaster supply kit prepared for storms such as this one.”
Roberts also said that families and individuals should practice caution when going outdoors during winter storms. When people must go outside, they should wear several layers of lightweight clothing, gloves and a hat.
People should take extra care when walking on snowy or icy driveways or sidewalks to avoid trips and falls that can lead to injury. Additionally, community members should be extremely careful when shoveling snow. This strenuous work should be done with frequent breaks to avoid overexertion.
The Mid Coast Chapter states that a family disaster supply kit is one of the most proactive things any family or individual can have to prepare for winter storms or other disasters.
A disaster supply kit includes things like water, food, batteries, flashlights, extra blankets, a radio, a first aid kit, tools, and other supplies that would be helpful for a family to shelter in place during a winter storm, ice storm, or potential power outage.
Current weather reports include mixtures of snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
“This storm has a combination of severe winter weather elements” said Roberts. “We want our communities to take seriously the weather advisories and remain as safe and prepared as possible.”
For more information on preparing for winter weather, creating a family disaster supply kit, or other information please contact the Mid Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross at 729-6779 or visit www.midcoast.redcross.org.
