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Red Cross Shares Tips On Staying Safe During Winter's Worst

EASTCHESTER, N.Y. -- The Red Cross has provided a list of 10 tips on weathering the terribly cold weather.

Dressing in layers of lightweight clothes is one effective way to deal with the cold.

Dressing in layers of lightweight clothes is one effective way to deal with the cold.

Photo Credit: Kennedy Cullen Flickr

  • Wear layers of lightweight clothing, gloves and a hat.
  • Bring pets indoors or make sure they have enough shelter and unfrozen water outdoors.
  • If using a space heater, be sure to keep it on a hard, level surface and keep anything flammable at least three feet away.
  • Make sure to turn off space heaters and make sure fireplace embers are completely out before leaving the room or going to sleep.
  • If you are using a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks or rolling logs.
  • Run water, at a low rate or even a drip, to help prevent your pipes from freezing.
  • Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night so your pipes don't freeze and burst.
  • Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.
  • Never use a generator inside your home, even in the basement or garage.
  • Don't hook a generator up to your home's wiring. Connect the equipment you want to operate directly to the outlets on the generator.

Westchester County families seeking shelter -- or anyone who knows a family in need of shelter -- can call a 24-hour emergency services hotline at 914-955-2099.

Similarly, Eastchester residents experiencing a heat emergency that could result in a dangerous health condition are encouraged to call the Red Cross' Desk Line at 914-961-3464.

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