Stay Safe This Winter

The American Red Cross shared a few tips to use this winter season.

The most important hazard to be aware of is house fires.

Ken Garcia, Red Cross Regional Director of Communications said 90 percent of disasters they respond to are house fires.

The risk is heightened in the winter because of the usage of space heaters.

“If you are going to use a space heater make sure it has plenty of room," Garcia said." Don’t leave it next to the couch, don’t leave it next to any hanging blankets and definitley don’t put it on carpet, if you have a hard surface, tile surface you want to put it there.”

Garcia also said to make sure to turn the space heaters off when you leave the room.

Another winter weather risk that is often overlooked is frostbite or hypothermia.

The Red Cross suggest you wear lose layers and limit your time outside.

Jackets, hats and gloves are a must and if you start losing feeling in your hands go inside immediately.

Frostbite and hypothermia often occur on your toes, fingers and earlobes.

Signals of frostbite are skin that looks waxy, cold to touch or discoloration.

Hypothermia can be life threatening and the signals are shivering, numbness, glassy stare, apathy, weakness, impaired judgement and lack of consensusness.

Other things to think about during the winter is road conditions and pets.

Avoid driving if it is sleeting, freezing rain, snow or foggy.

Check on pets often and bring them indoors if possible.