As published in the Jefferson County Journals.

The American Red Cross operated five emergency shelters in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, Jefferson County, St. Francois County and Belleville, Ill. following the winter storm on Nov. 30 that resulted in widespread power outages.

Omar Ruiz of the Jefferson County Service Center discussed the Red Cross response to the storm while offering preparedness tips for winter weather during a Dec. 8 interview on KJFF Radio (1400 AM).

In response to the winter storm, the Red Cross sheltered 1,383 people during six nights and served 16,312 meals and snacks to shelter guests. Throughout the relief effort, the St. Louis Area Chapter partnered with emergency officials, the National Guard, local municipalities and other agencies, including the Southern Baptist Missouri Convention, which prepared as many as 1,000 meals a day.

To help neighbors during their time of need, more than 160 Red Cross shelter volunteers assisted with emergency needs, including shelter, food and health services. In addition to the volunteers operating full-service shelters, more than 50 Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers provided assistance to more than 120 people impacted by more than 30 fires in the week following the winter storm.

The American Red Cross provides immediate assistance following disasters and emergencies and is able to respond 24-hours a day, seven days a week throughout the region due to the dedication of volunteers who give freely of their time. The Red Cross is not a government agency and depends on the financial generosity of the public.

Recent severe weather reminds us that winter has only begun. Now is a great time to focus on the importance of emergency preparedness. By taking the time to plan ahead, each of us can make sure we are as prepared as possible wherever we are - at home, at work or at school. The Red Cross recently introduced its "Be Red Cross Ready" program, which streamlines preparedness into three easy steps: 1. Get a Disaster Supply Kit, 2. Make an Emergency Plan, and 3. Be Informed.

A disaster supply kit should have at least three days of supplies in an easy-to-carry container, with additional materials on hand. The stock should be replaced every six months. This kit can be assembled at home or purchased from the Red Cross and can be used to shelter-in-place or be transported if emergency officials order an evacuation.

An emergency plan includes a family discussion regarding the disasters that can happen where you live. Family members should establish responsibilities for each member of the household so that everyone works together as a team. The family should choose two places to meet in the event of a disaster - right outside the home in case of a sudden emergency, and outside the neighborhood in case the family cannot return home or is asked to evacuate by emergency officials.

To be informed, the public should identify how local authorities will notify the community during an emergency situation. The Red Cross encourages citizens to heed the instructions of emergency officials and to receive lifesaving training in first aid and CPR. Throughout the metropolitan area, the Red Cross trains more than 85,000 people each year.

The basic steps to preparedness outlined in "Be Red Cross Ready" can be applied specifically to winter weather, just as they can for any emergency situation. During the KJFF interview, Ruiz focused on winter driving, protecting personal property, home heating safety, and the importance of checking on others as temperatures drop - especially children, senior adults and neighbors.

Safety tips for driving in winter weather begin by ensuring your car is in good condition. Have a mechanic check your battery, antifreeze, wipers, etc. Plan long trips carefully by stocking your car with a disaster supplies kit, a windshield scraper, and a cell phone or two-way radio with batteries fully charged. Before leaving, let someone know your destination, route and when you expect to arrive. Stay tuned for any news reports forecasting dangerous driving conditions such as sleet, freezing rain/drizzle, or dense fog.

If children play outside during extreme temperatures, make sure they are dressed in layers that include a hat and mittens. Children should come inside often for warm-up breaks and parents should remain alert for signs of exposure to the elements. Symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia include shivering, tiredness, and numbness in the face and extremities. If children begin to feel any of these things, they should come inside immediately and tell an adult.

Ruiz reminded listeners that not all people have somebody to check on them during a time of need. During extreme weather, Ruiz emphasized the need to check on neighbors and senior adults to make certain they have what they need to stay warm.

To protect property, installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside properly insulates your home. To prevent pipes from freezing, wrap them in insulation or layers, cover the layers with plastic to keep out moisture, let faucets slightly drip, and know how to shut off water valves.

When heating your home during the winter months, consider safe emergency heating equipment such as a fireplace with an ample supply of wood, or a small well-vented stove. If additional heating devices are needed, only use safe and approved alternative heating sources and ventilate properly to avoid a fire hazard.

Recent national polling indicates that most Americans are not aware that home fires are the most common disaster in the United States. House fires typically increase during the winter months as people focus on heating their homes. To prepare for such a danger, determine at least two ways to escape from every room of the home. Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floors, and practice your escape plan at least twice a year.

Smoke alarms save lives and should be installed outside sleeping areas and on each additional level of the home. The test button should be used to check smoke alarms once a month. When necessary, batteries should be replaced immediately. Smoke alarms become less sensitive over time and should be replaced every 10 years. Families should consider installing an automatic sprinkler system and should have fire extinguishers readily available. The local fire department can provide proper training in how to use safety equipment.

To learn more about the Red Cross response to the recent winter storm and power outage, or to find out more emergency preparedness information, please contact the Jefferson County Service Center in Arnold at 636.464.9150 or www.redcrossstl.org.

The next Red Cross interview will air live on KJFF Radio (1400 AM) at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 12.