Winter is settling in with bitter cold and frigid wind chills—enough to make anyone shiver just thinking about it. Forecasters expect a surge of Arctic air to spread across a large part of the country, from the Midwest to the Northeast, and the cold could linger into next month. With temperatures and wind chills dropping, the risk of frostbite and hypothermia rises, so safety experts say it’s important to take simple precautions now.

The American Red Cross recommends the following steps to protect yourself and those around you during extreme cold:

  1. Stay warm: If your home gets too cold, head to a public library, shopping mall, or warming center.

  2. Heat safely: Use space heaters and fireplaces carefully—keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away.

  3. Skip candles: Use flashlights or battery-powered lights instead to reduce fire risk.

  4. Avoid carbon monoxide: If you feel sick, dizzy, or weak, get fresh air immediately. Never use an oven to heat your home, and only run generators, grills, or camp stoves outdoors and away from windows.

  5. Check on others: A text, call, or quick visit to neighbors and loved ones can make a real difference.

  6. Walk and drive like it’s icy: Slow down, increase following distance, and keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. Avoid travel during severe weather if possible.

  7. Dress in layers: Loose layers, a warm coat, hat, mittens, and water-resistant boots—plus a scarf to cover your face—help prevent cold exposure.

  8. Don’t overdo it: Take breaks if shoveling or working outside, and try to work with a partner.

  9. Know the warning signs: Frostbite often hits the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes first—watch for pain, numbness, or skin color changes. Hypothermia signs include shivering, confusion, drowsiness, and slurred speech—get inside and seek medical help fast.

  10. Use Red Cross apps: The First Aid and Emergency apps can provide guidance, alerts, and shelter information if conditions worsen.

Don’t forget pets and livestock—bring animals inside when possible, provide extra bedding and unfrozen water, and limit time outdoors during the coldest conditions.