1. Prepare your car. Build an emergency kit and include blankets or sleeping bags, jumper cables, a fire extinguisher, compass and road maps, shovel, tire repair kit and pump, extra clothing, flares, and a tow rope.
2. Drive safely. Tell family and friends your destination, travel route and approximate arrival time. Check your tires’ air pressure and fill the windshield fluid. Avoid distractions such as using your cell phone. Use AAA’s free Tipsy Tow if you need a ride home on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve.
3. Stay healthy. Stay home if you are sick and avoid spreading germs by washing your hands with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
4. Keep your home fire-safe. If you are leaving the kitchen, turn off the stove. Never use a stove or oven to heat your home. Monitor portable heaters and fireplaces and install smoke alarms. Clean your furnace. Make sure furniture isn’t blocking heat vents. Close off rooms you’re not using and turn off the heat in those rooms.
5. Learn CPR. We recommend at least one person in every household should take first aid and CPR/AED training. Visitwww.redcross.org/training for details and to register.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization, not a government agency, and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information contact your nearest Red Cross Chapter:
Bay Area Chapter
Call 1-888-4-HELP-BAY (1-888-443-5722) or visit www.redcrossbayarea.org. You may also find us on Facebook and Twitter.
Silicon Valley Chapter
Call 1-877-727-6771 or visit www.siliconvalley-redcross.org. You may also find us on Facebook and Twitter.
Monterey Bay Area Chapter
Call 831-624-6921 or visit www.arcmontereybay.org. You may also find us on Facebook and Twitter.
Santa Cruz County Chapter
Call 831-462-2881 or visit www.sccredcross.org. You may also find us on Facebook and Twitter.
