Updated 12/10 9:15am: Winter Storm Shelter Information for DFW

9:15am update: All shelters in DFW have closed! Big thanks to the Red Cross shelter workers who have been working so hard to provide a warm place for people to go during this winter storm. They are part of more than 200 Red Crossers who have worked on this relief operation since Thursday. Thank you all so much for your service.

Please Give Blood

The winter weather across many parts of the U.S. has so far forced the cancellation of 115 Red Cross blood drives in 18 states and the District of Columbia, resulting in more than 4,000 uncollected blood and platelet donations since last Wednesday.

While the Red Cross blood supply is currently sufficient to meet hospital demand, winter is always a challenging time to ensure enough blood is on the shelves. While all blood types are needed, the Red Cross especially urges all eligible donors with blood types O positive, O negative, A negative and B negative to make a lifesaving appointment.

Donors in unaffected areas are encouraged to make and keep blood and platelet donation appointments to help offset the current shortfall. Donors in affected areas are urged to give blood or platelets once the storm has passed and travel is deemed safe. Appointments can be online at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

To give blood, someone must be at least 17 years of age, meet weight and height requirements and be in general good health. Donors should bring their Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID with them. Some states allow 16-year-olds to give with parental consent.

More Information

• Winter Storm Safety Tips
• Preventing & Thawing Freezing Pipes
• Power Outage Safety Tips
• How to Use a Generator Safely

Follow us on Twitter @RedCrossDFW & Red Cross DFW on Facebook for the latest updates. Stay warm out there!

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