The American Red Cross of Missouri is offering safety tips ahead of the upcoming snow, ice and frigid temperatures expected over the next few days. In addition, the Red Cross is coordinating with local emergency management officials and partners in preparation of potential local community needs.

A news release says heavy snowfall is predicted in portions of Missouri, with ice accumulations and extremely cold temperatures, according to the National Weather Service.

Every year, hundreds of American are injured or killed by exposure to cold; vehicle accidents on wintry roadways; and home fires caused by the improper use of heaters.

American Red Cross of Missouri offers several tips to stay safe:
· Assemble an emergency preparedness kit to ensure you and your family have enough bottled water, nonperishable food and other items to stay safe at home for a few days without power if needed: <https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/survival-kit-supplies.html>

Vehicle safety:
· If you must travel, keep the vehicle’s gas tank full to keep the fuel line from freezing, and if you are required to stop due to traffic issues or detours.
· Carry several items in your vehicle: windshield scraper, small broom, sand or cat litter for traction, warm blankets and coats, and an emergency kit with bottled water, nonperishable food and medications.

Personal safety:
· Stay indoors if possible and wear warm clothes.
o Layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing will keep you warmer than a bulky sweater.
o If you feel too warm, remove layers to avoid sweating; if you feel chilled, add layers.
· Stay safe outside:
If you must go outside, protect yourself from winter storm hazards:
o Wear layered clothing, mittens or gloves, and a hat. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Mittens or gloves and a hat will prevent the loss of body heat.
o Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from severely cold air. Avoid taking deep breaths; minimize talking.
o Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
o Know the signs of hypothermia – confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. If someone has these symptoms, they should get immediate medical attention.
o Watch for symptoms of frostbite including numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness or waxy feeling skin.
o Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses much of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly away from the body.

· Check on relatives, neighbors, and friends, particularly if they are elderly or live alone.

Pet Safety:
· Bring animals inside or ensure they have access to appropriate shelter, food and non-frozen water outside: <https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/Winter-Safety-Tips-for-Your-Pets.html>

Space heater safety:
· All heaters need space. Keep children, pets and things that can burn (paper, matches, bedding, furniture, clothing, carpets, and rugs) at least three feet away from heating equipment.
If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs, carpets or near bedding or drapes. Plug power cords directly into outlets – never into an extension cord.