Connie Harvey, the American Red Cross National Health and Safety expert, offers the following additional tips to help keep families safe this season:

• Dress appropriately before going outdoors.
• Recognize the symptoms of cold weather illnesses such as hypothermia and frostbite.
• Inspect fireplaces and wood stoves. Have your chimney connections and flues inspected by a professional and cleaned if necessary prior to the start of the heating season.
• Be sure your car is prepared. "Before hitting the road, let someone know your route, final destination and expected arrival time," says Harvey. It is also a good idea to have a disaster supplies kit for the car that includes: a flashlight with fresh batteries, battery-powered radio and extra batteries, blankets or sleeping bags, booster cables, a fire extinguisher (5-pound, A-B-C type), bottled water and non-perishable high-energy foods (granola bars, raisins and peanut butter), compass, road maps, shovel, tire repair kit and pump, flares, extra clothing, a bag of sand or cat litter (for tire traction), tow rope, knife and first aid kit with a manual.
• Enroll in a first aid, CPR and AED course by contacting your local American Red Cross.