MENDOTA - With the exception of an early bout of cold and snow in November, so far this winter has been relatively mild. That seems to be changing though, with temperatures predicted to fall below zero and another of 3-5 inches of snow possible later this week.

Preparing for these snowstorms and extreme cold spells is important for staying safe throughout the season. State Farm has some timely reminders to help everyone prepare for this return to winter.

STORM PREPARATION

Blackouts and snow-ins can occur with little warning during winter months, it is best to prepare yourself and your family ahead of time for such winter emergencies. Having the following items ready will help you make it through safely:

• Battery-powered flashlights or lanterns and extra batteries.
• Drinking and/or bottled water.
• Nonperishable food items. Keep the pantry stocked: It is smart to keep your house stocked with groceries all winter long. Should the power go out, you want to have plenty of extra water and nonperishable food that can be prepared without cooking.
• Extra blankets, sleeping bags and warm winter coats.
• Phone numbers for utility companies.
• Cell phone and portable charger.
• Prescription drugs and other medicine.
• A battery-powered radio with extra batteries for listening to local emergency instructions.
• Battery backup to protect computers and other important electronic equipment.
• A first-aid kit.
• You may also consider buying a generator. A permanent or portable generator can provide temporary power when and where it is needed.

WINTER ACTIVITIES

With colder temperatures and the threat of more snow ahead of us, many people, young and old, will head outside to enjoy their favorite winter activities. Use the following tips to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable winter.

Before bundling up to head outdoors, be sure to check both the temperature and the wind chill. Wind chill indicates how the air feels on your skin. It can vary dramatically from the actual temperature. You will want to take extra safety precautions since low wind chills and cold temperatures can have dangerous effects on your body, such as frostbite and hypothermia.

Frostbite occurs when parts of your body freeze from prolonged exposure to the cold. Warning signs include numbness and skin that is white or grayish-yellow and unusually firm or waxy. Hypothermia sets in when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it. There are several stages of hypothermia, but common symptoms include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, slurred speech and drowsiness. Victims with frostbite or hypothermia should receive immediate medical attention.

If you do venture outside, layer up. Wear wool, silk or polypropylene inner layers and a tightly woven or wind-resistant outer layer. Finish off with the essentials: a hat, water-resistant boots, and gloves or mittens. Remove layers as you warm up - sweat can aid in heat loss.

Keep in mind the following safety tips to enjoy your favorite outdoor winter activities:

Skiing and snowboarding

• Take lessons on how to stop, slow down and turn.
• Never ski or snowboard alone.
• Always wear a certified helmet with wraparound goggles.
• Identify the appropriate trails for your skill level.
• Check your equipment before and after each run and secure loose straps or clothing.

Ice skating and hockey

• Stick to ice at least 6 inches thick and free of debris.
• Avoid ice that has formed over running water, such as a river.
• Always wear a helmet: hockey helmets offer the best protection.
• Wear proper hockey equipment, including pads and gloves.
• Learn how to properly fall on ice.

Snowmobile cruising

• If you are a novice, consider taking a snowmobile or snow machine safety training course before your first outing.
• Wear a helmet that meets the current Department of Transportation certification standards, and appropriate cold weather gear such as a snowmobile suit, snow bib, jackets, and gloves to cut the wind, repel water and allow ventilation.
• Always go snowmobiling in groups and notify someone at home where the group is headed and the expected return time.
• Always check the weather conditions before departing and check your machine’s fuel and fluid levels to make sure they are sufficient for the trip. You should also check the machine’s overall condition and operation.
• Stay on designated trails. Avoid driving on ice, but if it’s the only option, wear a life jacket.
• Always ride sober, which includes avoiding prescription medications that may affect how you ride.
• Carry a first-aid kit, water and non-perishable food in case of a mishap on the trail.

Sledding

• Choose a safe sled with a steering mechanism and brake.
• Dress appropriately with multiple layers of wind- and water-resistant clothing. Helmets can greatly reduce the chance of head injuries.
• Find a safe sledding hill away from busy roads and a long, flat area at the bottom for stopping.
• Maintain adult supervision - according to the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, 71 percent of all sledding injuries occur without adult supervision.
• Always sled sitting up and facing forward - never headfirst, facing backward or standing.
• Never ride a sled being pulled by a moving vehicle.

WINTER DRIVING

Winter driving has its own set of challenges from the moment you start your vehicle. This is especially true during the dark and potentially treacherous driving days of winter - it is essential to keep car windows clear. Take extra time to remove snow and ice from your car before driving on wintry roads.

Here are some useful winter driving suggestions:

• Never warm up your vehicle in a closed garage. This could lead to carbon monoxide problems.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent gas line freeze-up.
• If parked outside, first clear the snow from around your vehicle and make sure the exhaust pipe is not clogged with mud or snow.
• Clear snow from the roof, hood, and trunk lid while the car is warming up.
• Be sure to clear the exterior mirrors, headlights, taillights and turn signals and dry the wiper blades making sure the wiper fluid nozzles are clear.
• Remove the ice and snow from all windows. Never pour hot water on a car covered in ice. The rapid temperature change can cause glass to crack or shatter. And do not use a screwdriver, metal key or other sharp item to chip ice away. These can scratch or shatter the glass.
• Sometimes visibility can be hampered from inside the car. Always keep the air vent set to “fresh” rather than “recirculate,” which can contribute to foggy windows. The defroster can help reduce the problem, as can opening windows slightly. For best results, use the air conditioner. Air conditioners are designed to remove moisture from the air, and they can do that job even when the heater is on. Finally, keep a clean microfiber cloth in the car to clear stubborn foggy spots.
• Clean the vehicle’s interior windows at least once a week during the winter. Over time, film can build up on windows increasing the potential for fogging.
• Don’t use cruise control on icy roads.
• Allow more time for braking when visibility is poor.
• Stay calm if you start to skid.
• Commercial vehicle drivers should exhibit caution when driving in winter conditions. If driving a truck or other large vehicle, it needs more time to stop in ideal conditions, so snow and icy conditions magnify the challenge. Take care to continue safe practices when sharing the road in winter conditions.

Carry a Winter Driving Kit

Winter weather could leave you stuck in the snow, but the following items in your winter driving kit might help you get back on the road and on your way:

• Small folding shovel
• Tow and tire chains
• Basic tool kit
• Bag of road salt or cat litter
• Flares, battery powered flashlights and extra batteries
• Extra windshield wiper fluid and antifreeze
• Jumper cables to start your car if the battery dies

Pack a Winter Survival Kit

In case you are marooned in your car, keep a small winter survival kit on hand throughout the winter. Some useful items include:

• A first-aid kit
• Cell phone charger
• Ice scraper and brush
• Blankets, warm clothing and other cold weather gear to protect against hypothermia
• Drinking water, and high-energy, nonperishable foods
• Candle and lighter or matches

If You Become Stranded

Few people like driving through a snow storm, and most heed warnings to stay off the roads when a storm is bearing down. But even the best-prepared and expert drivers can get stuck. If it happens to you, here are some important reminders:

Be prepared. While the best first step is prevention, some storms come on quickly. If you do get stranded, keeping a few essentials, noted above, in your car can help keep you comfortable while you wait.

Stay inside. If possible, pull off the highway and turn your hazard lights on or tie something bright to your car’s antenna to signal that you need help. Then wait inside your car until help arrives to avoid exposure to frostbite and prevent hypothermia.

Call 911. If you have a charged phone and reception, call for help and describe your location as best you can.

Clear the tailpipe. Make sure there’s no snow covering your tailpipe in order to prevent carbon monoxide buildup inside the car. Check the tailpipe periodically to ensure that fresh snow isn’t blocking it, always watching for oncoming traffic before exiting your vehicle.

Keep moving. Staying active inside your car will help you keep warm. Clap your hands and tap your toes to keep your circulation moving and prevent frostbite but avoid overexertion and sweating.

Drink fluids. Dehydration can make you more susceptible to the effects of cold. If there’s no drinking water inside your car, melt some snow inside a bag or other makeshift cup to stay hydrated.

Conserve your vehicle's battery. Use lights, heat, and radio sparingly.

Run your engine. Provided you have enough gas in your tank, run the engine for about 10 minutes every hour to keep the car warm. Turn on interior lights when your engine is on so you can be seen inside your car. Open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and clear snow from the exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Don’t overexert yourself. Cold weather puts your heart under added stress. If you’re not used to exercise, shoveling snow or pushing a car could put you at risk of a heart attack.