How to Prepare for Extremely Cold Weather

The way to avoid frostbite and hypothermia is to plan for extreme cold before it arrives. Don't get caught unprepared.

The following tips to stay safe are provided by the National Weather Service:

• Make checking the forecast part of your regular routine so you'll know when to expect cold weather.
• If possible, adjust your schedule to avoid being outside during the coldest part of the day, typically the early morning. Try to find a warm spot for your children while waiting for the school bus outside.
• Protect your pets, livestock and other property: If you have pets for farm animals, make sure they have plenty of food and water, and are not overly exposed to extreme cold. Take precautions to ensure your water pipes do not freeze. Know the temperature thresholds of your plants and crops.
• Fill up the tank: Make sure your car or vehicle has at least a half a tank of gas during extreme cold situations so that you can stay warm if you become stranded.

Update Your Winter Car Survival Kit

Make sure your car survival kit has the following:

• Jumper cables: might want to include flares or reflective triangle
• Flashlights: with extra batteries
• First Aid Kit: remember any necessary medications, baby formula and diapers if you have a small child
• Food: non-perishable food such as canned food and a can opener, and protein rich foods like nuts and energy bars
• Water: at least 1 gallon of water per person a day for at least three days
• Basic toolkit: pliers, wrench, screwdriver
• Pet supplies: food and water
• Radio: battery or hand cranked
• Cat litter or sand: for better tire traction
• Shovel to dig out snow
• Ice scraper for your windshild
• Clothes: warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket and an extra change of clothes for the cold
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Charged Cell Phone: and car charge

Image via Minnesota State Patrol