A strong storm system will move through the region with strong winds, rain and possible snow this weekend, leading up to bitterly cold temperatures, according to the National Weather Service.

In Louisville, the latest forecast shows Tuesday to be the coldest day and night with wind chills likely below zero and a 20-30% chance of it dropping below -10 degrees.

“Temperatures will be dependent on snow cover. If less snow cover exists, it is likely that temperatures will be in the single digits for lows and teens for highs,” NWS officials said in a statement. “If more snow cover exists, temperatures will likely be at or below zero for lows and single digits for highs.”

Regardless if Louisville or Kentucky sees snowfall, the area will see freezing temperatures and preparation is key. Read ahead to see the NWS’ tips on how to best prepare for the incoming winter weather.

Kentucky power outage map

https://data.lansingstatejournal.com/national-power-outage-map-tracker/area/michigan/26/

How to prepare a home for freezing temperatures?

Take these steps to prepare your home during extremely cold weather:

How to stay warm during a power outage?

If power outages occur, here is how you can best protect yourself and others.

• Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing as well as hats, mittens and blankets.

• Close blinds or curtains to keep in some heat.

• Close off rooms to avoid wasting heat.

• Place towels or rags in cracks under doors.

• Practice portable generator safety: use outdoors and at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, garages to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Follow instructions on proper use.

• Once your family is safe, check on your neighbors and the vulnerable to make sure they are okay.

What items to have on hand during a power outage?

The NWS recommends having the following items ahead of freezing temperatures.

At home:

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable radio to receive emergency information

• Extra food and water such as dried fruit, nuts, granola bars and other food requiring no cooking or refrigeration.

• Extra prescription medicine

• Baby items such as diapers and formula

• First-aid supplies

• Heating fuel – The NWS recommends to refuel before you are empty as fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a winter storm.

• Emergency heat source, for example a fireplace, wood stove or space heater properly ventilated to prevent a fire

• Fire extinguisher and smoke alarm, test smoke alarms monthly to ensure they work properly

• Extra pet food and warm shelter for pets

For vehicles:

• Mobile phone, charger and batteries

• Blankets and sleeping bags

• Flashlight with extra batteries

• First-aid kit

• Knife

• High-calorie, non-perishable food

• Extra clothing to keep dry

• Large empty can to use as emergency toilet, tissues, toilet paper and paper towels

• Small can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water

• Sack of sand or cat litter for traction

• Shovel

• Windshield scraper and brush

• Tool kit

• Tow rope

• Battery booster cables

• Water container

• Candle and matches to provide light and in an emergency

• Compass and road maps

Kentucky severe weather outlook

What to know about hypothermia

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hypothermia occurs when a person is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. When this happens, your body begins to lose heat faster than it’s produced. Lengthy exposures eventually uses up your body’s stored energy, which leads to lower body temperature.

While hypothermia is most common during very cold temperatures, it can still occur during cool temperatures (above 40°F) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water.

The people most at risk of hypothermia include:

• Older adults with inadequate food, clothing, or heating

• Babies sleeping in cold bedrooms

• People who remain outdoors for long periods – people without housing, hikers, hunters

• People who drink alcohol or use illicit drugs

Know the warning signs of hypothermia:

If a person’s temperature is below 95, seek immediate medical attention. If you are unable to obtain medical help, try the following:

• Get the person into a warm room or shelter.

• Remove any wet clothing the person is wearing.

• Warm the center of the person’s body using an electric blanket if available. You can also use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets.

• Warm drinks can help increase body temperature, but do not give alcoholic drinks. Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person.

• After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrap their body, including their head and neck, in a warm blanket.

• Get the person proper medical attention as soon as possible.

• In extreme cases of hypothermia, perform CPR while maintaining the person’s warmth. According to the CDC, hypothermia victims who appear to be dead can be successfully resuscitated in some cases.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville prepares for winter storm: How to stay warm without power