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Eight tips to stay safe and warm in frigid weather

A weather forecast map shows near-zero and below-zero temperatures expected next week stretching from Montana's western border into Minnesota and south into Montana and Nebraska.
noaa.gov
Much of the country is expected to be blanketed by cold in the coming week with temperatures well below freezing

The National Weather Service is predicting “extremely cold temperatures” starting this weekend and lasting throughout next week. With frigid weather on the way, here are eight tips to stay safe and warm.

  • Minimize travel and stay indoors during the worst of the cold.

  • Keep a winter survival kit in your car, including a shovel, jumper cables and an extra blanket.

  • Check your car’s battery, tire pressure, antifreeze levels and heater/defroster before driving.

  • Protect pipes from freezing by leaving hot and cold water dripping from the faucet overnight and open cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to uninsulated pipes under a sink or near an outer wall.

  • Learn how to shut off water valves for potential pipe bursts.

  • Check on relatives, neighbors and the elderly, particularly if they live alone.

  • Keep your pets inside, and bundled up if they do go outside.

  • Dress in layers of loose-fitting warm clothing, a hat and mittens. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.

For more information you can find details for dealing with cold weather here.

An extremely cold and snowy winter storm is on track to slam into the Northern Rockies this week. This storm system could cause extensive disruptions and threaten lives.

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