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Show Red Cross offers winter storm tips What if you have' to drive your car? -. ' Travel, only in; an emergency. Keep your gas tank full! Use chains or snow tires and travel only on the main roads. Notify someone of your destination and travel only on the main roads. Notify someone of your destination and estimated arrival time. If your car becomes disabled, stay in the car and wait for help. Run your engine and heater sparingly and open a window a bit for ventilation. Keep blankets, flares, a first aid kit and emergency food (non-perishable) in the trunk of your car. , J What types of winter storms can strike? ij' Winter storms in the form of j'l blizzards, heavy snow, ice storms, freezing rain, or sleet can be serious hazards to people in many parts of i the country. A heavy snow warning j usually means an expected snowfall of four or more inches in a 12-hour j period, or six inches or more in a 24-I 24-I hour period. Warnings of snow I lurries, snow squalls or blowing and drifting snow are important mainly because visibility may be reduced and roads may become f slippery or blocked. ! What precautions can be taken by , families in winter-storm prone 'i areas? The first line of protection is to ep posted on weather conditions J in the surrounding area through j"i television, radio, NOAA weather radio and newspapers. A few hours warning of an approaching storm can be the key to avoid being caught I it, or at least to be better prepared to cope with it. What if your family should get isolated in your home by a winter storm? If you live in a rural area, make sure you could survive at home for a week or two in case the severity of a storm makes it impossible for you to leave. Stock up on supplies like food, water, fuel, flashlights, candles, and spare batteries. Have a portable por-table radio handy. If a power failure occurs, use a fireplace or a camp stove (with proper ventilation for heat). If necessary, conserve fuel by keeping the house cooler than usual, or by closing off some rooms temporarily. What if you must go outside? Dress in lightweight,. loose-fitting layered clothing. Beware of hidden ice and fallen trees, branches and wires. Avoid overexertion from walking, pushing cars or shoveling snow. |