Alabama is bracing for freezing cold temperatures and the possibility of snow later in the week.

READ MORE: Snow in Alabama? Forecasters say it’s possible this week

There are things people need to be doing now to get ready, according to Emergency Management Agency experts.

Know the conditions before you go

• It’s important to check the weather forecast before you go.
• You can see the latest forecast at www.weather.gov
• Alabama road conditions should be checked https://algotraffic.com
• Or on X at @algo_hsv

Set up your safety kit

It’s important to have a safety kit in your car if you’re traveling during a storm. The kit should include:

• Car charger
• Tow rope
• Shovel
• Warm clothes, gloves and shoes
• Ice scraper/brush
• Flashlight and batteries
• First aid kit

Check your generators

Generators can be helpful with the power goes out but it’s important to use them safely to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and other hazards.

EMA recommends:

• Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.
• Install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill you, your family and pets.
• Keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator or devices connected to one can cause electrical shock.
• Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
• Let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

Why wind chill matters

Wind chill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by wind and cold. AS the wind increases, it draws heat from the body, driving down skin temperature and eventually, internal body temperatures. Simply put, the wind makes it feel much colder.

Exposure to wind during frigid temperatures can cause frostbite or hypothermia that can become life-threatening. For example, the average temperature of the human body is 98.6 degrees but when it’s windy, the moving air breaks up the insulating layers people wear. This speeds up heat loss by moving warmth away from the skin. Hypothermia begins when body temperature drops 2 to 4 degrees and can be fatal if it goes below 95 degrees.

What’s the difference between hypothermia and frostbite?

Hypothermia is brought on when body temperature drops to less than 95 degrees. Warning signs of hypothermia includes confusion, shivering, difficulty speaking, sleepiness and stiff muscles. You should seek medical attention if you are concerned about hypothermia while warming the person slowly starting with the body core.

Frostbite occurs when body tissue is exposed to extreme cold. A wind chill of minus 20 degrees F will cause frostbite in just 30 minutes.

Warnings signs include a loss of feeling or a white/pale appearance in extremities such as the fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose. You should seek medical attention if you suspect frostbite. You should also drink warm fluids and put on extra layers of clothes or blankets.