[1]Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for Congress[2]Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for Congress

This weekend, a serious winter storm will impact over 180 million
Americans — or nearly half of the country’s population — across 35 states
in the South, Midwest, and Northeast.

This winter storm, also called Fern by The Weather Channel, is expected to
bring heavy snow, freezing rain, and extreme cold as early as tomorrow,
with temperatures remaining well below normal for over a week.^1

Here are a few ways you can prepare for the cold conditions (and [ [link removed] ]you
can find more useful tips at the Red Cross’s website here →):

* Keep cell phones and external batteries charging while you have
electricity.
* Leave the faucets in every sink of your home dripping slightly, day
and night — from both the hot and cold taps — to prevent pipes
bursting from the extreme cold.^2
* Have plenty of dry blankets and clothing on hand. Wet, cold clothing
increases chances of hypothermia.
* Reduce strain on the power grid by layering clothing to keep warm,
rather than turning up the heat on your thermostat.
* Research if your state has emergency warming centers, and make a plan
to get to them in case of an emergency.
* Avoid traveling during the storm, unless in an emergency situation.

* If you must drive: use your hazard lights, drive slowly, and keep
3 times the normal following distance between the car ahead of
you.

In case of a long-term power outage and delayed emergency services:

* Close doors within your home to conserve heat, and use towels under
doors to insulate rooms.
* The Red Cross suggests having 3 days worth of the following on hand,
stored in go-bags if you need to leave your home in an emergency:

* Bottled water – experts suggest having a gallon of water per
person, per day, on hand.
* Food that doesn’t require refrigeration or cooking (dried fruit,
nuts, canned fish or vegetables, granola bars, jerky, etc)
* Manual can opener
* Baby supplies
* Pet food
* First aid supplies ([ [link removed] ]here are suggestions from the Red Cross)
* Extra prescription medications
* Batteries
* Flashlights
* Tea candles (see below on fire safety)

Carbon monoxide poisoning and fires increase during winter power outages
due to people improperly heating their homes. A few tips:

* Test — or install — battery-operated carbon monoxide and smoke
detectors in your home, and make sure they are functioning properly.
* Never run a generator (or car) inside an enclosed space. [ [link removed] ]Review
generator safety tips here.
* If you are using candles for light, keep them out of the reach of
children and at least 3 feet away from flammable objects like
curtains, beds, and sofas. Never leave a candle burning when you go to
sleep.^3

And most importantly: check in with your nearby neighbors, friends, and
family regularly. Senior citizens and families with young children may
need an extra hand in advance of, and during, the storm.

This list is not comprehensive. [ [link removed] ]You can find more useful tips on winter
storm preparedness at the Red Cross’s website here →

We will be in touch as the storm progresses.

Stay safe, and keep warm,

Team AOC

1: [ [link removed] ]New York Times: This Is Not an Average Winter Storm, Weather Experts
Warn
2: [ [link removed] ]American Red Cross: Frozen Pipes
3: [ [link removed] ]National Weather Service: Home fires


 


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