With Jack Frost vacationing in the region this weekend, bringing with him single-digit temperatures and subzero wind chills, the area is bracing for its first real cold spell of this winter season.

"This will be a fairly short cold snap, but that doesn't make it any less dangerous," said Richard D. Flinn Jr., director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. "People need to be aware of the dangers that cold weather poses to themselves and their loved ones."The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook for today through Wednesday, saying "the coldest air of the season will arrive this weekend with bitterly cold wind chills of 10 to 30 below zero late Saturday into Sunday. Wind chills will be near zero during the day Saturday and Sunday night as well."Life-threatening problems such as hypothermia or frostbite could begin to happen in a matter of minutes if not properly protected from the elements.Here's what you need to know:ChildrenThe American Academy of Pediatrics and Blue Mountain Health System offer tips to help parents make sure their little ones are bundled up during the cold weather.• Dress infants and children warmly for outdoor activities. Several thin layers will keep them dry and warm because infants lose body heat fast. Don't forget warm boots, gloves or mittens and a hat.• Dress older babies and young children in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions. Also, don't forget warm boots, gloves or mittens and a hat.• Avoid dressing children in cotton clothing or socks because cotton holds moisture in once wet and will actually make them feel colder. Choose wool blends or put plastic bags over socks before putting on shoes.• When riding in the car, babies and children should wear thin, snug layers rather than thick, bulky coats or snowsuits.• If a child has exposed skin or is out in dangerous temperatures for too long, they may begin to experience either hypothermia or frostbite. Check often for signs of either condition, which can include shivering and numbness and seek medical attention if they are.AdultsAdults also need to take care of themselves when dealing with cold temperatures.Blue Mountain Health System suggests some of the following:• Dress in layers so you can either put on or take off clothing to keep warm.• Like children, adults should also not forget warm boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat because the most body heat is lost from the top of a person's head.• Avoid cotton clothing or socks and instead choose wool blends.• Eat well-balanced meals because that will help you stay warmer. Don't drink alcoholic or caffeinated beverages as they cause your body to lose heat more rapidly.• Avoid overexertion in cold weather as it puts an extra strain on your heart.• Make sure you have enough oil or coal to adequately heat your home, and check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.• For motorists needing to travel, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation says make sure you have good tires with enough tread and a full tank of gas; carry an emergency kit and blankets in your car; and tell people where you are going, the route you are taking and when you plan to arrive.People with lung problemsFor people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other health issues, the extreme cold air could wreak havoc and cause fatigue quickly.Blue Mountain Health System says if people with COPD need to go out:• Wear a scarf, mask and try to breathe through your nose to warm the air you are breathing.• If you use an inhaler, ask your doctor if it is permissible to use it 30 minutes before you go out.• If you use oxygen, keep your tubing inside your clothing to warm the air.• Wear several layers of loosefitting garments so as not to constrict your breathing but allow you protection against the cold.• Limit your exposure to the cold as much as possible and try not to overexert.Senior citizensSenior citizens are particularly prone to problems in extreme cold weather.The Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Teresa Osborne suggests the following:• Adopt a neighbor and check on them to make sure they have food, running water, enough medication and a properly functioning heat source so that they don't have to go outside to find these necessities.• Make sure they have operational smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and that exhausts to dryers and other heat sources are not blocked by snow from previous storms.• Stay indoors if at all possible.• If using a space heater, make sure the room is well ventilated and keep a 3-foot area clear around space heaters to avoid anything catching on fire.• Close off unneeded rooms, stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors or cover windows with blankets at night.