With extreme cold weather approaching, Sean Brown, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation spokesman, said it’s imperative to prepare people who have to work outside in such cold conditions.

“PennDOT has a specific Safety Talk that is used with work crews on days where cold temperatures are a concern,” Brown said. “Before crews begin their work days, supervisors will review (these) safety materials with them.”

Brown said that whenever possible, the scheduling of work that involves extensive exposure to ambient temperatures should be adjusted to avoid days or hours of the day during which temperatures, with the wind chill factored in, are extremely low. If working in extremely cold conditions cannot be avoided, follow these recommendations to prevent cold injuries:

• Be aware of the temperature, including the wind chill, throughout the day.

• Wear several layers of clothing. Layering provides better insulation. Avoid tight clothing that could reduce blood circulation. Warm blood needs to be circulated to the extremities.

• Make sure to protect the face, hands and feet in extremely cold weather. Wear protective clothing such as insulated gloves, wool socks, and waterproof shoes.

• Avoid staying out in the cold longer than necessary.

• Wear a hat or hard hat liner to reduce the amount of body heat that escapes from the head, keeping the whole body warmer.

• When possible, keep a change of clothes and extra items (gloves, jacket, hat, etc.) handy, should you need additional layers or need to change out of wet clothing. A blanket and thermos of hot liquid can also be good to have on hand.

• Avoid touching cold metal surfaces with bare skin.

• Reduce durations of exposure to cold by rotating workers for long and demanding jobs in extreme cold conditions, and by providing breaks in warmer areas. Drink warm, nonalcoholic beverages.

• Monitor your physical condition and that of your co-workers, particularly those who may be at higher risk of cold injuries.

Theresa Podguski, director of legislative affairs for AAA East Central, stressed the need for vehicle maintenance.

“Cold weather starts require batteries to be fully charged,” Podguski said. “It’s important before we have that to have the battery checked, and if it’s needed, then to have it replaced.”

Podguski said preparing the vehicle from a mechanical aspect from prior winter conditions presents the biggest challenge for vehicles to operate efficiently.

“Performing a vehicle checkup before we head into this cold weather, the best case is to really do that in the fall,” Podguski said. “But now that we’re in the middle of winter and they have forecast for very cold temperatures, (they should) have their battery checked if they haven’t done so already.”

Podguski also suggested checking your vehicle’s ignition system, including ignition wires, distributor or cap, and spark plugs; to be sure lights are working properly for others to be able to see you, and well as for you to be able to see in the dark; and to make sure your brakes have been checked regularly so that you can stop if you need to.

As for tires, she said the amount of traction that exists between the tires and the roadway determine how well a vehicle accelerates, turns and stops, so make sure tires are properly inflated and in good condition, she said.

Podguski said to make sure the exhaust system is working properly, and that it’s important to have a mechanic check that for you.

As for heating and cooling systems, she said to make sure your heating systems can be working for this weekend if you have to go out into the car.

Concerning windshield wipers, Podguski said wiper blades that streak along the windshield should be replaced; and the windshield washer reservoir should be filled with antifreeze washer solvent.

She suggested packing a winter driving kit to include the following: A bag of abrasive material such as sand or salt; a small snow shovel; a brush; traction mats in case the roads would get icy; a flashlight; window washing solvents; gloves or mittens; cloths or paper towels; booster cables; blanket; warning flares or triangles; and a cellphone with a charger. Podguski said nonperishable food items and water should also be readily available.

She cautioned to never warm up a vehicle in a garage; never leave your vehicle unattended with your engine running; keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up; if possible avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather; and to not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface.

“Driving in ice or snow conditions can be challenging,” Podguski said. “The key to safe driving is to adapt to the conditions.”