Old Man Winter hit hard—really hard these past few weeks.   With wind chills below zero and temperatures continue to dip,  it’s important to stay warm and safe.

The American Red Cross offers these safety tips. Protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-­fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible. Mittens are warmer than gloves and get water/resistant coats and boots.

Avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog.

Before tackling strenuous tasks in cold temperatures, consider your physical condition, the weather factors and the nature of the task.

Check on your animals. If possible, bring them indoors

Protect your pipes

Run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent your pipes from freezing. Open the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.

Better safe than sorry. Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night. Your heating bill may be a little higher, but you could avoid a more costly repair job if your pipes freeze and burst.

Frostbite and Hypothermia

Frostbite and hypothermia are cold-related emergencies that may quickly become life or limb threatening. Preventing cold-related emergencies includes not starting an activity in, on, or around cold water unless you know you can get help quickly in an emergency.

Drink plenty of warm fluids or warm water but avoid caffeine and alcohol. Stay active to maintain body heat. Take frequent breaks from the cold.

Avoid unnecessary exposure of any part of the body to the cold. Get out of the cold immediately if the signals of hypothermia or frostbite appear.

So stay warm and safe out there.