This cold winter, the American Red Cross wants to do more than just provide warm shelters. The Red Cross has provided on its Website some important safety tips for people to follow when the temperatures start to drop.

For Your Home:

• Use generators correctly: Never operate a generator inside the home, including the basement or garage. Do not hook up a generator directly to the home’s wiring. The safest thing to do is to connect the equipment needed directly to the outlets on the generator.

• Prevent frozen pipes: Open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around water pipes. Let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes.

• Bring your pets indoors:  And if that is not possible, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm, and make sure they have access to water that is not frozen.

• Try not to use a stove or oven to heat your home:  Keep a glass or metal fire screen around the fireplace, but never leave a burning fire unattended.

• Be careful with space heaters: If using a space heater, place it on a level, hard, nonflammable surface. Always turn it off when leaving the room or going to sleep, and always keep children and pets away from the space heater.

When Travelling on the Road:

• Be prepared: Carry an emergency preparedness kit in the trunk.

• Watch the gas tank: Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.

• If you get stuck: If you do get stuck, stay with the car. Do not try to walk to safety.  If possible, tie a cloth (red if possible) to the antenna for rescuers to see. Every hour, start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won’t back up in the car. If possible, leave the overhead light on when the engine is running to help rescuers see the vehicle. Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.

Out in the cold:

• Dress in layers: When it is cold, dress in several layers of lightweight clothing rather than just one single, heavy coat.

• Wear mittens: Mittens provide more warmth than gloves. If possible, wear a hat.

• Keep your feet dry: Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep feet warm and dry. [audio:http://hospitalstay.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/She-Wants-Revenge-Hazy-Shade-Of-Winter.mp3|titles=Hazy Shade Of Winter]