Emergency supplies for the cold

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- In case of emergency, people need to be prepared for being stuck out in the cold.

Executive Director for the Southeastern Ohio American Red Cross Marlene Henderson said people should always have a backpack full of emergency supplies, in their car and house. The backpack should include things such as a flashlight, whistle, blanket, and food. She said if people are in an accident that results in them being stuck in a ditch, a whistle can save their life.

“The whistle is extremely important, have one at home and also in your vehicle. Keep it in your console at all times. If you slide off the side of a road and into a ditch, if incoming traffic can’t see you, you’re only going to be able to yell for so long and blowing the whistle can get someones attention and get help to you a lot quicker,” said Henderson.

It is recommended by the Red Cross to have multiple gallons of water for each family member. Emergency water packs can fit easily in a backpack and the packages keep it from freezing in most situations. Henderson said checking your cars tire pressure and a full gas tank can save lives.

“Make sure you have at least a half of tank gas, if not fill your tank every night. Just top it off and make sure you have plenty of gas because you never know when you might slide off the road or something might happen. And you’re going to need a full tank of gas for just starting your car in the morning,” said Henderson.

A full list of items, people should keep both in their car and house, can be found at RedCross.Org.