Red Cross Offers Blizzard Preparation Safety Tips

A major winter storm is set to hit Long Island Tuesday.

The American Red Cross recommends being prepared ahead of time to stay safe in a blizzard. Winter storms can intensify quickly over just a few hours from a snowstorm to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that makes for hazardous situations.

Blizzards and storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures. Tuesday's blizzard is expected to produce strong winds that will likely lead to whiteout conditions on the roadways and power outages.

• The Latest Details On Tuesday's Blizzard

Officials say it’s very important to be prepared ahead of time in order to remain safe as this dangerous storm approaches.

The American Red Cross offers the following safety tips on how to be prepared:

• Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing
• Water: Have on hand at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
• Food: Have on hand at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.)
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
• Tools/supplies for securing your home
• Sand, rock salt or non-clumping kitty litter to make walkways and steps less slippery
• Warm coats, gloves or mittens, hats, boots and extra blankets and warm clothing for all household members
• Ample alternate heating methods such as fireplaces or wood- or coal-burning stoves

Photo: Flickr/CreativeCommons/Anthony Quintano/The Long Island Expressway in the aftermath of a 2013 blizzard.