Connecticut is expecting winter weather tomorrow with Newtown among the large section of the state under a Blizzard Warning, while other parts of the state are under a Winter Storm Warning. Large snow accumulation is expected to blanket the state Tuesday and Wednesday.Assemble an Emergency Preparedness Kit.Use Technology to Prepare and Stay Safe.redcross.org/mobileapps.Heed Storm Warnings.Use Caution Clearing Snow.Newtown Fire Marshal Rich Frampton issued a request earlier today asking residents to do this as well.Use Generators Safely.Use Care When Outdoors in the Cold.redcross.org.

"As always, we want to remind people of the importance of being prepared in advance of a winter storm," said Stefanie Arcangelo, Chief Communications Officer, American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island Region. "Significant snow accumulation and high winds are expected throughout the state. We just want to remind everyone to prepare and be safe."

The Red Cross recommends that individuals and families prepare for winter storms by doing the following:

Pack a winter-specific supply kit that includes a warm coat, hat, mittens or gloves, and water-resistant boots, along with extra blankets and extra warm clothing for each family member. Sand or non-clumping cat litter is good to have on hand to help make walkways or steps less slippery.

Additionally, make sure first aid kit and a supply of essential medications, canned food and can opener, bottled water, flashlights and a battery-powered radio with extra batteries is avialable for the home in the event of a power outage.

Download Red Cross preparedness apps for your smartphone. The organization's free apps have tips and real-time information to help Connecticut residents prepare, as well as tools to help keep in touch during and after a major storm.

In particular, the First Aid App has a special section devoted to severe winter weather with preparedness tips and information about coping during and after the storm.

Get the apps for iPhones or Android phones at

A Winter Storm Warning means that life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. Individuals in a warning area should take precautions immediately. Stay tuned to local media to keep up with forecasts and additional warnings.

A Blizzard Warning is issued for winter storms with sustained or frequent winds of 35 mph or higher with considerable falling and/or blowing snow that frequently reduces visibility to ¼ of a mile or less.

These conditions are expected to prevail for a minimum of three hours.

Shoveling snow is strenuous work; take the task slow and easy to guard against over-exertion or back injury. Take regular breaks.

If using a snow thrower, keep hands and feet clear of moving parts. Always turn off a snow thrower and use a stick or other implement to clear blockages, never use hands.

If there is a fire hydrant on your property, clear snow around the hydrant so it is accessible in the event of a fire.  

Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full, which will help to keep the fuel line from freezing.

When the storm has passed, completely clear snow from all surfaces of a vehicle. It's not only safer for drivers inside a vehicle, and other drivers on the road, it's the law in Connecticut.

Be sure to keep furnace and gas dryer vents outside the home clear of snow to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. If power and/or heat is lost, running water at a trickle from a faucet helps to prevent pipes from freezing.

Never operate a generator inside homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, sheds or other partially enclosed spaces, even if using a fan or opening doors and windows. Carbon monoxide (CO) can quickly build up in these spaces and linger for hours after a generator is shut down.

Place generators outside, well away from windows, doors and vents. Shut down the generator before refueling it.

If anyone inside a home begins to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a portable generator, shut it off and get to fresh air immediately. These are symptoms of CO poisoning.

Dress in light layers so you can adapt to temperatures. Wear a hat; most of your body heat is lost through your head. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Wear insulated, waterproof footwear.

Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia that can be a serious medical condition: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Seek medical attention immediately if any of these symptoms are displayed.

Also be able to recognize frostbite warning signs: gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, waxy feeling skin. Seek medical attention immediately for any of these symptoms.

For more information on winter storm preparedness, visit