It's brutally cold outside here in Central New York and with these dangerous temps, The American Red Cross has some safety measures that you may not have thought of.

- Dress in layers.  This way, you'll stay warm outdoors while not getting too hot indoors.  In temperatures this cold, make sure you cover as much skin as possible to prevent skin damage.  It can happen faster than you think!

- Mind your pets.  Keep them indoors as much as possible and if you can't have them inside for some reason, make sure your pets have a shelter to keep them warm and that they have access to water that won't freeze.

- The Space Heater rule: space heaters should be put on a level, hard surface, at least three feet away from anything flammable.

- 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.  Keep the garage doors closed if there are water lines in the garage.

- Maintain Temp indoors.  Keep your thermostat at the same temperature day and night to prevent pipes from freezing.

- Home Heating safety: Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.

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