Cold weather safety: What you need to know

As we experience

in the metro, here's what you need to know to stay safe as the temperatures drop.

The

is asking you to plan ahead and avoid traveling or being outdoors if possible. If you must travel, tell friends your planned route — and keep a cell phone close and keep it charged.

If you must brave the elements, limit your time outdoors, and be sure to dress in layered — preferably loose-fitting — clothing. It is essential to cover the ears, face, and hands. Wear a hat and use thermal socks or two pairs of socks, with waterproof boots to protect your feet.

are most susceptible to suffering serious injury from the cold, so please check on them.

To protect yourself act quickly if:

If you suspect frostbite:

Hypothermia may result from exposure so seek medical attention if:

Remember: Hypothermia is a serious medical condition that requires emergency medical assistance.

while trying to keep warm. Avoid portable heating devices that are powered by combustible fuel.

to make sure they aren't overloaded. Don't use power or extension cords that are frayed or damaged, and don't run them under rugs or carpets.

Follow these

to make sure keeping warm doesn't create a fire hazard:

To help residents stay warm,

and Council Bluffs are staffing warming centers this week.

at 2825 Y St. [

] will be open:

Citadel Corps at 3612 Cuming St. [

] will be open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.

North Corps at 2424 Pratt St. [

] will be open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

will be operating a warming center 9 a.m.-3 p.m. through Friday at its Lakin Campus office located at 715 N. 16th St. [

]

Officials have also placed a shelter on standby in case there is a need for a community shelter to open. Mohm's Place, 1435 N. 15th St. [

] will be open 24 hours to assist those who need shelter as well.

With the sub-zero plunge on tap, the

is reminding pet owners to make sure their animals are safe and warm.

The best option is simply allowing your pets indoors during cold weather. If this is not an option, here are some helpful tips:

If you suspect an animal is suffering in the cold weather, call the Nebraska Humane Society at 402-444-7800, Ext. 1. Animal Control Officers will respond immediately.

AAA offers the following advice for drivers during cold weather:

posted an

.

issued

urging travelers to

.

High winds could cause power outages, which can be extra dangerous with the extremely cold temperatures.

Visit the OPPD website to

or

. You can also call 1-800-554-OPPD.

As with the falling snow, metro school officials have their eyes on falling temperatures this week to decide whether classes will be called off.

OPS says they would likely cancel school if they are seeing "dangerously cold temperatures — temperatures that would cause concern for frostbite, typically within 15 to 20 minutes."

Watch the video above for a closer look at the OPS winter weather game plan.

If schools do decide to cancel, that information will be posted ASAP on our

. Organization cancellations and business closings can also be found here.

The American Red Cross has

: