Colorado and Wyoming are bracing for a drastic weather whiplash. Record-breaking heat this Labor day weekend is predicted to turn into a cold front this evening with strong winds and rain changing to snow by Tuesday.
If it is your first time experiencing snow or if you are still in summer mode, we have put together a list of a few big things to know before the snow.
- Download the American Red Cross Emergency app to monitor more than 35 different severe weather and emergency alerts, to help keep you and your loved ones safe.
- Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio so you can stay aware of the situation if your other communication sources are cut off. Make sure it is battery operated and that you have extra batteries.
- Have a good shovel. You may need to dig yourself out before help gets there. Or you simply may need to dig out your car!
- Bring your pets indoors or prepared a warm safe place for them.
- Purchase a supply of flashlights (with batteries) and candles.
- Make sure you have an ample supply of blankets. If you power goes out, you will need as many as you can get!
- Make sure you have fire extinguishers in your home and that everyone knows how to use them. House fires are much more common during winter storms as people turn to alternate heat sources.
- Take an American Red Cross First Aid Class online. It will only take you a couple of hours to complete the class and you will have learned how to care for frostbite and hypothermia.
Download the printable American Red Cross Winter Storm checklist to make sure you are Red Cross Ready!