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Red Cross tips to stay warm during power outages

PORTLAND, Ore. – December 15, 2006 –Dress warmly. Wear several layers of loose clothing. Trapped air insulates; many layers of thin clothing are better than single layers of thick clothing.

Wear a hat, even when sleeping. Most body heat is lost through the top of the head.

Use blankets for yourself and to insulate windows and doors.

Keep hands and feet warm. Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.

Stay indoors and close off unused rooms.

Stay dry.

Consider staying with friends or relatives who have power in another area of town.

Use extreme caution if you plan to use a wood-burning fireplace to heat your home. Keep the flue open after burning wood or presto logs to minimize the risk of carbon monoxide.

IMPORTANT: Never bring a barbeque or heating equipment (such as propane, kerosene or charcoal briquettes) inside your home; there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Be a good friend and neighbor…check on elderly and others in the neighborhood. Call elderly relatives or those with infants in other parts of town to see if their power is out and if they need help.

If you need someone to check on you, set up a schedule with them to call you throughout the day.

Stay informed: use a battery-operated radio tuned to a news station.

If you’re still out of power tonight

Don’t use candles. Use lightsticks or flashlights instead. Get these items and batteries out now, while it’s still daylight.

Keep your refrigerator closed as much as possible to avoid food spoilage.

Do not call 9-1-1 to report a power outage.

(Phone lines should be left open for emergencies threatening life and property).

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. Local Red Cross volunteers respond to residential fires and other disasters every 40 hours on average. All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from Oregonians. Financial gifts help provide shelter, food, clothing, counseling and other immediate assistance to those in need. Call (503) 284-1234 or visit www.redcross-pdx.org

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American Red Cross, Oregon Trail volunteers respond to house fires every 32 hours on average.
To assist the Red Cross in providing disaster relief, please call (503) 528-5634.
To prepare yourself and your family for fire or other disasters, go to www.redcross-pdx.org