Red Cross Urges Preparedness before Winter Storm Juno

Now is the time to get ready and prepare before the storm starts

CAMBRIDGE, Ma. January 26, 2015— The American Red Cross of Massachusetts is urging residents to be prepared for an emergency in advance of Winter Storm Juno coming this week. 

“It’s always easier to make a plan and gather resources before a storm hits which is why the American Red Cross always encourages preparedness,” said Tim Pitoniak, Chief Disaster Officer. “Now is the time to get ready and prepare before the storm starts.”

Some of the most important things to do in order to be prepared to shelter in place before a winter storm include:

• Food and Water—have at least a 3-day supply; one gallon of water per person per day is recommended;
• Flashlights with batteries;
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and extra batteries;
• First aid kit as well as medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane);
• Fully charge cell phones and laptops prior to the storm;
• Warm coats, gloves or mittens, hats, boots and extra blankets and warm clothing for all household members; and
• Ample alternate heating methods such as fireplaces or wood- or coal-burning stoves.

Other tools available include the Red Cross Shelter Finder App to find a place to stay if displaced. Visit http://www.redcross.org/mobile-apps/shelter-finder-app for more information.

For a comprehensive winter storm safety check, available in several different languages visit: http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4240231_WinterStorms.pdf

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.