Blood and Platelet Shortage Has Reached a Critical Level, Donors Needed

Recent severe weather conditions have resulted in multiple blood drive cancellations, causing the Red Cross to declare that the blood and platelet shortage has reached a critical level.

According to a press release from the organization, no matter the weather is like, every day the Red Cross has to collect more than 13,000 blood and platelet donations to help meet the needs of patients. Due to the winter weather conditions in January, more than 550 blood drives were forced to cancel causing over 16,500 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected.

Red Cross Communications Manager Rodney Wilson said currently, blood and platelet donations are being distributed to hospitals faster than they’re coming in. Continue reading

The CDC Warns Individuals to Be Aware of High Frostbite and Hypothermia Risks This Time of Year

With extremely cold temperatures and frigid wind chills expected to continue in the coming weeks, the Center for Disease Control is warning people to take necessary precautions to avoid getting hypothermia or frostbite.

Before going outside, make sure you’re sufficiently dressed for the weather. Your fingers, toes, ears, cheeks, chin and nose should all be thoroughly protected, as these are the areas most vulnerable to frostbite. Continue reading

State Fire Marshal Provides Alternative Heating Tips

Around this time of year, many people are doing whatever they can to keep the effects of winter weather out of their homes. However, for your own safety, there are a few things you should know before you do so.

According to State Fire Marshal Jim Greeson, alternative heating sources are one of the leading causes of home fires and account for 19 percent of home fire deaths in the U.S. Marshal Greeson advises Hoosiers to take particular precautions if alternative heating equipment is utilized in order to ensure safety this season.

He advises residents to never leave space heaters on in unoccupied rooms and to only have one heater plugged in to each electrical outlet. Be to keep heaters away from loose or flammable objects such as clothing, curtains, bedding and furniture. Continue reading

Marshall County Highway Department Warns Motorists to Prepare for Snowy Weather

Marshall County Highway Department reps want to wish everyone a safe and Merry Christmas. They say drivers should be prepared since it’s looking like it’s going to be a white one.

Due to information received about tomorrow’s snowy forecast, Marshall County Highway Department crews plan to start around 1pm tomorrow afternoon. They intend to plow and treat as many roads as possible based on amount of snow fall. Continue reading

Cold Weather Preparation Tips from Plymouth Utility Superintendent Donnie Davidson

Today is officially the first day of winter and as temperatures are expected to dip below freezing in the coming weeks, home owners need to take necessary precautions to avoid frozen pipes.

Plymouth Utility Superintendent Donnie Davidson has a few helpful tips to help protect homes this winter season. Superintendent Davidson reported that most incidents happen at the beginning of the season since people don’t take these simple steps before the cold weather hits.

His first tip was to be sure that all hoses are disconnected and outdoor faucets are turned off. He also stressed the importance of making sure that crawlspace doors and other openings are securely shut to keep drafts from entering the home and cooling the water pipes. Continue reading

Marshall County Sheriff Matt Hassel Provides Winter Driving Tips

As winter weather approaches driving conditions will become more hazardous with an increase of snow and ice on the roadways during the coming months.

Marshall County Sheriff Matt Hassel and members of the Sheriff’s Department have a few tips for motorists to ensure everyone has a safe and happy holiday season.

They advise drivers to clean snow and ice from all vehicle windows before driving. Also make sure there is enough fuel in your gas tank to reach your destination. Keep blankets and warm clothing in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Continue reading

Winter Weather Preparedness Week

It is Winter Weather Preparedness Week and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security is encouraging Hoosiers to become better equipped to deal with the approaching winter season.

IDHS provided a couple of tips to help inspire individuals to be actively involved with winter preparedness now through November 18th.

Use this week to create or maintain a home readiness kit that may be needed during winter storms. Kits should include a first aid kit and necessary medications, extra clothing, shoes and blankets as well as copies of important documents such a photo ID and Social Security cards. It would be helpful to have a battery-powered or hand crank radio and flashlight. Also include food and water for up to three days, with one gallon of water per person per day. Continue reading

INDOT Cautions Motorists as Winter Weather Moves In

INDOT-logo-150x131Indiana Department of Transportation officials are keeping a close eye on the weather so they can respond appropriately to the wintry precipitation mix moving across the state.

Rain, freezing rain, snow and ice are all expected, and a few degrees variance in temperatures can make a big difference. INDOT maintenance supervisors will continue to monitor developing conditions and reports from law enforcement and the public as well as local forecasts so they can respond accordingly. Continue reading

INDOT Reminds Motorists to Slow Down

winter-weatherRoads across northwest Indiana are expected to be slick and hazardous into the evening hours. Widespread sleet and freezing rain have blanketed the area since early this morning. INDOT has 170 plow and salt crews on the roads but drivers say the conditions are exceptionally tricky because the wintry mix is washing de-icing materials off the road. Continue reading