During last week's storm, more than 35,000 residents in the northern and southern parts of Saratoga County were left without power. Clifton Park, Halfmoon, Stillwater and Mechanicville were hit so hard by the storm they were forced to declare states of emergency. The aftermath was so bad that Sen. Charles Schumer and Gov. David Paterson met in Niskayuna on Monday to push for President Bush and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide immediate relief to 16 counties in upstate New York, including Saratoga County.
These mass outages have left The Red Cross's Adirondack Saratoga Chapter servicing a high volume of people displaced by the storm throughout the past week. In all, the local Red Cross chapter opened six shelters with 58 volunteers servicing 227 people in the shelters displaced by the storm in Saratoga, Washington and Warren Counties. It also served 920 meals and 462 snacks.
Cheryl Murphy, Director of Emergency Services at The Red Cross, said people should make sure to have a flashlight with batteries, a portable radio to listen for information about shelters, extra water and perishable food in your home in case of such an event. She also advises people to keep a hard-wired phone, which can be plugged into a phone jack in case there is a need to make an emergency call.
Murphy said what people should never do is use candles to light your home because it increases the likely hood of a starting a fire, which was the case in three homes during the storm. She added that people should also be extremely careful about heating their homes due to the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be caused by running a motor-operated device in the home. During last week's ice storm there was one death reported due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Since this type of emergency could strike at anytime, Murphy suggests people purchase a one or three-day emergency kit that includes flashlight, battery-powered radio, plastic sheeting and duct tape, food, water, medications and first aid supplies. You can purchase one by visiting Red Cross's web site at: www.redcross.org.
Although services like The Red Cross are available to residents who are affected by winter storms, the following tips can help you stay safe even if you are caught unprepared.
Ways to stay safe during a winter storm
Keep an emergency kit: Experts advise that each home be equipped with a 3-day emergency preparedness kit to provide the essential items to help people survive in the home and if they are asked to evacuate. The kit should include a flashlight, batteries, a portable radio, one gallon of water per person, non-perishable food items, a can opener, first aid supplies, duct tape, prescription drugs, blankets and items to help keep you entertained and pass time.
Food and water safety: When the power goes out it is important for health and sanitation to practice food and water safety. Safe water for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene includes bottled, boiled and treated water. If the power goes out for less than two hours then food in the refrigerator and freezer will be safe to consume. However, it is recommended that you keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed so you don't lose cold air inside. If power is out for a longer period, throw out any products that become warmer than 40 degrees. If you're not sure the food is above the proper temperature level, then it is recommended you throw it out anyway.
Staying warm: Fireplaces, wood stoves and kerosene heaters with proper ventilation to the outdoors is the suggested method of staying warm when the power goes out. It is recommended that you confine yourself to one room in the home in order to maximize heat efficiency. It is also a good idea to put on extra clothing and use blankets to trap in body heat. In case of a fire, be sure to keep firefighting materials like fire extinguishers, a heavy blanket, sand, salt, baking soda and water on hand.
Carbon monoxide poisoning: Most people who are stuck in power outages are not likely to freeze to death, but carbon monoxide poisoning presents a huge risk for those trying to stay warm. It is suggested that you never run a generator or burn outdoor items like charcoal or propane in the home. Also never use a gas or electric oven or surface for heating as they are not equipped to heat large spaces.
Stay safe on the road: Just like in your home, you should always keep an emergency survival kit inside the vehicle. Always ensure that your tires have adequate tread and keep your gas tank above half-full. If you get stuck, run your car heater for 10 minutes every hour to keep warm. Also it is suggested that you never wander far from your car unless you are certain there is a place to get help within reasonable distance.
Sources: The American Red Cross, New York State Department of Health
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