Here's how to stay safe amid frigid temps

CONCORD, N.H. - Frigid air is predicted for New Hampshire and Maine, so the American Red Cross wants to remind people there are steps to be taken to stay safe during this hazardous weather.

"This extreme cold can be dangerous but there are ways to combat it," said Maria Devlin, Regional CEO for the American Red Cross. "We want everyone to know how to safely ride out these winter conditions."

Cold Weather safety tips: The safest place to avoid the cold is to stay indoors, but if you do have to go outside, here are ten ways to stay safe during this latest round of cold temperatures:

1. Wear layers of lightweight clothing to stay warm. Gloves and a hat will help prevent losing body heat.
2. Know the signs of hypothermia - confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. If someone has these symptoms, they should get immediate medical attention.
3. Watch for symptoms of frostbite including numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness or waxy feeling skin.
4. Bring the pets indoors. If that's not possible, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water.
5. Avoid frozen pipes - run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent them from freezing. Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night to help avoid freezing pipes.
6. Do not use a stove or oven to heat the home.
7. Space heaters should sit on a level, hard surface and anything flammable should be kept at least three feet away.
8. If using a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.
9. Turn off space heaters and make sure fireplace embers are out before leaving the room or going to bed.

Learn how to treat cold weather related emergencies by downloading the free Red Cross First Aid App at redcross.org/apps. More information about winter safety is available on redcross.org.