Oklahoma Red Cross Volunteers Prepare For More House Fires, Winter Weather

Hundreds of American Red Cross volunteers across Oklahoma are preparing for winter weather, the organization told News 9 on Tuesday. It urged community members to take precautions. 

“Make sure that you are bundling up, layering, protecting your body from the freezing temperatures,” said Matt Trotter, Regional Communications Director for the Red Cross. 

Drive carefully in the snow and ice, he insisted. 

“And really understanding what your risks are when you're trying to deal with winter weather-- no matter what activities you're participating in." 

The Red Cross said this is the time of year when the number of house fires jumps. 

"During the colder months, we see home fires jump by 30%. Most of that is due to people heating their homes in an unsafe manner,” Trotter shared. 

Make sure your home has working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, the organization recommended. 

"If you're going to use something like a space heater, make sure you do so safely by putting it on a level, hard surface-- not on something flammable-- keeping it at least three feet away from things like furniture or couches that could catch fire," Trotter said. 

He added that it is worth checking in on loved ones and neighbors. 

"Sometimes the elderly or people who are more vulnerable to the cold don't have anybody who's checking on them,” Trotter started. “We encourage everybody to make sure that those people are also taken care of, staying warm and staying safe during these storms." 

There is more you can do to help, the organization continued. 

Trotter explained that the Red Cross supplies 40% of the nation's blood. 

"We've seen a lot of blood drives across the country canceled because of winter weather. If you're in a place with blood drive openings available and it's safe for you to go donate, we'd ask you to donate blood right now." 

To donate or become a volunteer with the Red Cross, click here.