Winter Storm: Red Cross providing shelters, other relief

The  Red Cross said additional shelters are on standby in Gilmer and Habersham counties. The agency is also supporting community-run warming shelters in several locations with cots, blankets, food and volunteers.  Find the latest Red Cross shelter information here.

Georgia's Red Cross urges people to take precautions to reduce the risk of home fires and the damaging effects of frigid temperatures on people, pets, water pipes and more.  Find cold weather safety tips here .

Red Cross continues to respond to home and apartment fires statewide and has provided food, shelter and other necessities for 715 families or 2,239 people since Jan. 1.

How you can help

Winter weather has caused the cancellation of about 160 blood drives this month in multiple states resulting in 5,000 uncollected blood and platelet donations, according to the agency.  It asks people to consider donating blood or platelets at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-RED Cross.