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Updated at 7:50 p.m.: Municipalities, agencies, schools prepare ahead of winter storm

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<p>WILKES-BARRE &#8212; As a winter storm approaches the region, American Red Cross is preparing to respond as Old Man Winter makes an impact just days before spring.</p><p>The Red Cross Northeast PA chapter is on alert and carefully monitoring weather forecasts, according to a news release. The agency is also ready to dispatch volunteers, relief supplies, emergency vehicles, and utilize shelters to provide assistance.</p><p>American Red Cross also urges citizens to take steps to be prepared as the storm hits the areas.</p><p>&#8226; Wear layers of lightweight clothing to stay warm.</p><p>&#8226; Take frequent breaks when shoveling snow and stay hydrated.</p><p>&#8226; Check on children, elderly neighbors and people with disabilities. Bring pets inside and move livestock to sheltered areas.</p><p>&#8226; In the event of a power outage, never use a generator, grill, or other fuel or charcoal burning device inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area. Locate them away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.</p><p>&#8226; Watch for hypothermia and frostbite. Hypothermia symptoms include confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Frostbite symptoms include numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, or waxy feeling skin.</p><p>&#8226; If possible, avoid driving in this storm. Commuters that have to venture out should have a window scraper, kitty litter or sand in case their vehicle gets stuck, extra clothes, and a Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk.</p><p><ins>For more storm-related stories, please click <a href="https://www.timesleader.com/tag/stella" target="_blank">here</a>.</ins></p><style>
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<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Travis Kellar</p><p>tkellar@www.timesleader.com</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><factboxMeta><p><strong>UGI encourages &#8216;winter smart&#8217; preparation</strong></p><p>UGI is encouraging citizens to say &#8220;winter smart&#8221; as the storm moves into the region. They provided a number of safety tips, including:</p><p>&#8226; Clear any accumulation of snow or ice from the outside vents of your furnace or other natural gas appliances. This allows air flow necessary for safe operation. Blocked vents can lead to a dangerous build-up of carbon monoxide inside your dwelling.</p><p>&#8226; If the snow is deep, clear the area around the gas meter, providing a path for UGI personnel who may require access. Please work carefully around your gas meter. Keep snow blowers or other powered equipment and snowplows away from the gas meter.</p><p>&#8226; For your personal safety, stay indoors as much as possible. When outdoors, wear warm clothing and cover exposed skin. Use multiple layers to maintain warmth. Seniors should take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls from icy conditions.</p><p>&#8226; Remember that an electric power outage will affect furnace blowers and electronic ignitions. If your gas heater does not relight when the power returns, turn the unit off for a moment, then back on. If it still does not light, call a heating professional for service.</p></factboxMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Reach Travis Kellar at 570-991-6389 or on Twitter @TLNews</p></shirttailMeta></div>

American Red Cross urges caution, preparation ahead of winter storm