With four more weeks of winter still to endure, the American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis recommends taking a few steps that will help you stay safe.

The Red Cross recommends stocking up on easy-to-prepare foods, medications for family members, diapers, baby formula, pet food, extra-batteries for flashlights, and hygiene items like toilet paper and tissues. Make sure you have enough wood or coal for fireplaces or coal-burning stoves. In addition, the Red Cross offers the following ideas to help stay safe during winter storms:

Tips for Staying Safe at Home

• Prevent frozen pipes - when the weather is very cold outside, open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around water pipes. Let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing because the temperature of the water running through it is above freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to a consistent temperature.
• Use flashlights for emergency lighting if you lose power. Don't use candles. Click here for a list of tips for when the power goes out.
• Don't use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement or garage. Locate unit away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
• Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.
• If you plan on using a fireplace to stay warm, keep a glass or metal fire screen around the fireplace and never leave a lit fire unattended. Have your chimney or flue inspected and install a smoke alarm and battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near the area to be heated.
• If using a space heater, follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to safely use the heater. Place it on a level, hard, nonflammable surface. Turn the space heater off when you leave the room or go to sleep. Keep children and pets away from your space heater and do not use it to dry wet clothing.
• To keep cold air out, caulk cracks, add weather stripping and cover windows with plastic on the inside. If possible, add additional insulation, insulated doors and storm or thermal-paned windows.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets.
• Have extra blankets on hand.
• Check on your animals and make sure that their access to food and water is not blocked by snow drifts, ice or other obstacles. If possible, bring them indoors.

Tips for Protecting Yourself While Outdoors and Traveling

• Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks and stairs, using a de-icing compound to keep ice away.
• Dress in several layers of lightweight clothing, which will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat.
• Mittens provide more warmth to your hands than gloves. Wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears.
• Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.
• If you have to perform any outdoor activity, be extremely careful. Take frequent breaks, stay hydrated and avoid overexertion.
• Minimize travel whenever possible. If travel is necessary keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle with extra food and blankets, etc. Click here for a complete list of items to keep in your vehicle.
• If you must travel, let someone know your destination, your route and when you expect to arrive.
• Make sure you have a full tank of gas to keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of hypothermia including confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering.
• Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of frostbite including numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, or waxy feeling skin.

Click on the links below for more tips:
Winter Storm Tips
Fire Safety Tips