Red Cross Issues Tips to Stay Safe in Pennsylvania's Dangerous Cold

[JAN. 20, 2025] This week, freezing temperatures and dangerous wind chills are impacting communities across Pennsylvania. The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania urges neighbors to use caution and provides the following tips to stay safe during this extreme cold stretch:

WINTER SAFETY Stay warm indoors. If your home becomes too cold, go to a public library, shopping mall or warming center.

Use care with space heaters and fireplaces to prevent fires. Keep anything that could catch fire at least 3 feet from the heat. Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
Use battery-powered lights and flashlights instead of candles to prevent fires.
Carbon monoxide kills. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, don't use an oven to heat your home. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak, get to fresh air right away.

If you must go outside, wear layers of loose clothing, a coat, hat, mittens and water-resistant boots. Use a scarf to cover your face and mouth.
Check on loved ones and neighbors to make sure they are staying warm, particularly if they are older or live alone.
Be careful walking on snow or ice and avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. If possible, work with a partner and take frequent breaks.
Stay off the roads when possible. If you become stranded, stay in the vehicle and wait for help.
Learn more at redcross.org/winter.

FROSTBITE AND HYPOTHERMIA Stay warm to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. Your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes are often the first areas affected.

Signs of frostbite include pain, numbness or a change in skin color.
Signs of hypothermia, which can be deadly, often include shivering, confusion, drowsiness and slurred speech.

Act fast and get out of the cold immediately if you see signs of hypothermia or frostbite.
Get emergency medical care right away.

DOWNLOAD RED CROSS APPS People can download the Red Cross Emergency app for instant access to weather alerts for their area and where loved ones live. Expert medical guidance and a hospital locator are included in the First Aid app in case travelers encounter any mishaps. Both apps are available to download for free in app stores or atredcross.org/apps.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org. Follow the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania on social media: Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.