Red Cross Gives Safety Tips for Winter Storms

Newton, NJ, January 5, 2010 — The Sussex County Chapter of the American Red Cross has some tips to keep people safe during extreme cold and winter weather. Use these measures to stay safe during and after the storms.

• Stay indoors during the storm.

• If you must go outside, layers of clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Wear gloves or mittens and a hat to prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.

• Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks.

• If you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work. Take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion – heart attacks from shoveling heavy snow are a leading cause of deaths during winter.

• Avoid traveling by car, but if you must, keep the gas tank full for emergency use and to keep your fuel line from freezing. Let someone know your destination, the route you are taking, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

• If you do get stuck, stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety. Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna for rescuers to see. Start the car and use the heater for about ten minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes don’t back up in the car. Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so you can be seen. As you sit, move your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and stay warm. Keep one window open to let in air.

• After the storm, avoid driving until conditions have improved. Listen to local radio and television stations for updates. Help a neighbor who may require special assistance, especially families with infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

• Be prepared to help a neighbor or family member in the event of a first aid emergency - including knowing how to administer CPR. Following is the listing of upcoming classes.

A Lay Responder Instructor Training Course is being offered in January. Class will be held on Friday, January 8th, Monday, January 11th, and Wednesday, January 13th - all three days class is from 8:00am to 4:00pm and each session must be attended in order to receive certification. Participants must have a current First Aid and CPR certification prior to taking this course.  Participants must attend all three days. The cost of this training is $225 and this fee includes all course materials - including all instructor manuals. Upon completion of this training participants will be certified to instruct Adult, Child and Infant CPR/AED and First Aid.

On Saturday, January 16th a Babysitter’s Training course is being offered from 9:00am to 3:30pm. The Babysitter’s Training course has a unique interactive, educational format that tasks youth, ages 11 – 15 years of age, with activities such as identifying safety problems around the house and yard and selecting age-appropriate toys and games for children in their care. The fee for this course is $65.00

On Saturday, January 23rd, an Infant and Child CPR class will be offered from 8:30am-1:00pm.  Attendees will learn the skills needed to provide care for infants and children in the case of breathing emergencies, and perform CPR.  The fee is $55.00

On Monday and Tuesday, January 25th and 26th a CPR for the Healthcare Provider/Professional Rescuer; 2 Year Certification training is being offered from 6:00pm – 10:30pm. Participants must attend both nights. This course is the full course (NOT a recertification class) and is designed to train individuals who have "a duty to respond" to respiratory and cardiac emergency (such as EMTs, police officers, fire/rescue services, lifeguards, etc). An American Red Cross certificate for CPR for the Professional Rescuer and the Healthcare Provider will be issued upon successful completion of the course. The fee is $80.00 A pocket mask is required for this class. Participants can bring their own or can arrange to purchase one through the American Red Cross ($15) at the time of their registration. Call today – space is limited!

On Wednesday, January 27th, a First Aid course will be offered from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. This course is intended to teach lay responders the knowledge and skills necessary to give care in an emergency, help sustain life and minimize the consequences of injury or sudden illness until medical help arrives. The fee is $45.00.

On Monday, February 8th, a Dog First Aid training course from 6:00pm to 8:30pm.at chapter headquarters.  Participants will learn what to do in the event their dog is ever injured or has a medical emergency; including breathing emergencies. The fee for this training is $40. 00

On Saturday, February 13th an Adult CPR/AED course will be offered from 8:30am to 1:00pm. The course imparts the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care for breathing emergencies, perform CPR, and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to save victims of sudden cardiac arrest. The fee is $50.00.

On Monday and Tuesday, February 15th & 16th a Babysitter’s Training course is being offered from 1:00pm to 4:30pm. Participants must attend both days. The Babysitter’s Training course has a unique interactive, educational format that tasks youth, ages 11 – 15 years of age, with activities such as identifying safety problems around the house and yard and selecting age-appropriate toys and games for children in their care. The fee for this course is $65.00

On Saturday, February 20th, an Infant and Child CPR class will be offered from 8:30am-1:00pm.  Attendees will learn the skills needed to provide care for infants and children in the case of breathing emergencies, and perform CPR.  The fee is $55.00

On Tuesday, February 23rd, a First Aid course will be offered from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. This course is intended to teach lay responders the knowledge and skills necessary to give care in an emergency, help sustain life and minimize the consequences of injury or sudden illness until medical help arrives. The fee is $45.00.

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.sussexredcross.org or call our office at 973-579-1600.