Stay Safe in Snowy Conditions

When winter weather strikes there are some important things to keep in mind. Most important maybe your food supply. If your electricity goes out you need to have a manual can opener and will want to have food that does not need to be heated. You also may want to have your car cell phone charger and remember not to open the refrigerator.

"If your power does go off don’t be opening and closing the refrigerator all the time to check on it. If you leave the refrigerator closed it is going to be okay for several hours " said Julie Davis, Muskingum County Red Cross Director of Preparedness and Response.

If you may not be able to leave your house  for a few days make sure your medications are full and have a bag packed in case you have to leave your home in a hurry. Also, think of your pets.

"You need to plan for your animal. Can you bring it in the house? Can you take it with you if you have to go? Is there somewhere you can leave it in case something should happen? You know, have an emergency supply of your pet food" said Davis.

Be sure there are batteries in your flashlights and do not use candles for they may cause a fire. In bad conditions the best thing to do is just stay in.