Winter Weather Strikes Midwestern States

Written by Lesly C. Simmons, Staff Writer, RedCross.org

Tuesday, November 29, 2005 — Across the country, the American Red Cross is responding to communities affected by severe weather as tornadoes and snowstorms wreak havoc across much of the Midwestern United States.

This hammock was covered in snow after a major blizzard moved into Michigan on Monday, Nov. 28, 2005. Heavy storms are expected in the Great Lakes in the coming days. (Photo Credit: Douglas Tesner/Record-Eagle.com)

The first major snowstorm of the winter hit several states overnight, leaving hundreds of thousands of residents without power, and causing hundreds of traffic accidents. At least five deaths have been attributed to the massive blizzard, which closed highways in North and South Dakota.

Hundreds of people were forced into shelters in west Kansas as storms there kept many travelers who were trying to return home from Thanksgiving visits off the roads. The storm is now moving toward the northeast, and the National Weather Service has issued winter weather advisories in several states, including Michigan and Wisconsin.

Kansas felt a double whammy on Monday as a tornado touched down in the eastern part of the state. The Red Cross sheltered nearly 200 people after a tornado touched down at the Ft. Riley Army Post. At least one death has been attributed to another tornado that touched down Monday near Little Rock, Arkansas.

As the weather turns colder across much of the country, the Red Cross has several steps to help ensure continued safety, even in rough weather conditions:

Know What Winter Storm WATCHES and WARNINGS Mean...

• A winter storm WATCH means a winter storm is possible in your area.
• A winter storm WARNING means a winter storm is headed for your area.
• A blizzard WARNING means strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow, and dangerous wind chill are expected. Seek shelter immediately!

When a Winter Storm WARNING is Issued...

• Stay indoors during the storm.
• If you must go outside, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves (or mittens) and a hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.
• Understand the hazards of wind chill, which combines the cooling effect of wind and cold temperatures on exposed skin.
• As the wind increases, heat is carried away from a person's body at an accelerated rated, driving down the body temperature.
• Walk carefully on snowy, icy, sidewalks.
• After the storm, if you shovel snow, be extremely careful. It is physically strenuous work, so take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion.
• Avoid traveling by car in a storm, but if you must...
  • Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk.
  • Keep your car's gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
  • Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

If You Do Get Stuck...

• Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna for rescuers to see.
• Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won't back up in the car.
• Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.
• As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm.
• Keep one window away from the blowing wind slightly open to let in air.

To learn more about preparing your family, home and community for natural disasters, such as winter storms and tornadoes, visit the Get Prepared section of RedCross.org.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of recent disasters and thousands of other disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation.