WINTER WEATHER SAFETY: The Red Cross offered steps to keep you and your family safe this winter season, in light of the forecast for snow for Wednesday and today:

HEAT YOUR HOME SAFELY:

— All heaters need space. Keep children, pets and things that can burn (paper, matches, bedding, furniture, clothing, carpets, and rugs) at least three feet away from heating equipment.

— If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs, carpets or near bedding or drapes. Plug power cords directly into outlets — never into an extension cord or power strip.

— Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended, and use a glass or metal fire screen to keep fire and embers in the fireplace.

— Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.

— Turn off portable space heaters every time you leave the room or go to sleep.

IF OUTSIDE DURING THE STORM:

— Wear layers of clothing: a hat, mittens and waterproof, insulated boots.

— Be careful when tackling strenuous tasks like shoveling snow in cold temperatures. Take frequent breaks.

— Check on your neighbors, especially elderly people living alone, people with disabilities and children.

— Bring pets indoors. If they can’t come inside, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water.

— Watch for hypothermia and frostbite. Hypothermia symptoms include confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Frostbite symptoms include numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, or waxy feeling skin.