Eye On The Storm: Red Cross Issues Safety Advisory As New Nor'easter Nears

While many Fairfield County residents continue cleaning up from the weekend Nor’easter, there is no relief in sight as Mother Nature looms with another storm that could drop more than a foot of snow in the region.

Eversource crews cleaning up from the previous storm, with another on the way in Fairfield County.
Photo Credit: *Eversource*

Zak Failla

03/06/2018 12:30 p.m.

In advance of Wednesday’s expected storm - which may see between 10 and 18 inches of snow in Connecticut - the American Red Cross has issued an alert to local residents with important safety reminders to ensure that all stay safe.

With the storm fast approaching, Eversource crews have been working around the clock in an effort to restore power to the 778 customers who remain in the dark following the weekend Nor'easter.

According to the Red Cross, before the storm hits, Fairfield County residents should:

Assemble an emergency preparedness kit that includes a warm coat, hat, mittens or gloves, and water-resistant boots, along with extra blankets and extra warm clothing for each family member. A first aid kit should also be on hand, as well as canned food and bottled water in case of power outages.
Residents can download the Red Cross preparedness app for their smartphone. The app includes real-time information, tips and tools to help keep in touch during a major storm.
When clearing snow, officials said that residents should “take the task slow and easy to guard against over-exertion or back injury. Take regular breaks. If using a snow thrower, keep hands and feet clear of moving parts. Always turn off your snow thrower and use a stick or other implement to clear blockages, never use your hands.”
Car gas tanks should be filled, to help avoid the fuel line from freezing. Snow should also be completely removed from cars before they are used in the aftermath of the snow.
Generators should be used cautiously, and never inside homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, sheds or other enclosed spaces.
Additionally, Red Cross officials noted that when going outside, one should dress with care. “Dress in light layers so you can adapt to temperatures. Wear a hat; most of your body heat is lost through your head. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Wear insulated, waterproof footwear. Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia that can be a serious medical condition: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms. Recognize frostbite warning signs: gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, waxy feeling skin. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.”

“We want to remind people of the importance of being prepared in advance of a winter storm,” Stefanie Arcangelo, Chief Communications Officer for theAmerican Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island Region stated. “This storm closely follows severe weather from last week and we just want to remind everyone to prepare and be safe."

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