Winter prep: Tips to stay warm, safe in Central Texas' cold weather

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An unseasonably warm December that saw an average temperature of 59.6°, 6° above normal, Central Texas is facing its coldest weather since a year ago.

Proper planning for the cold includes more than just protecting People, Pets, Pipes and Plants, otherwise known as the four P's.

As this area gets more and more populated several new residents might need to know the best ways to beat the cold.

When temperatures reach the 20s and 30s it is important to dress appropriately, starting with dressing in layers. Layering starts with a base layer, a mid-layer and an outer layer to trap the heat efficiently. You can always shed a layer as the day goes on. Mid-layer layering includes sweaters. Outer layers, of course, mean overcoats and heavy jackets.

Your head, neck, and hands need to be kept warm with things like a hat, scarves and mittens. You want to prevent heat loss from your head. Thermal socks and waterproof boots are essential.

With precipitation in our end-of-the-week forecast, you will want to stay dry because wet clothes contribute to heat loss.

You'll want to spend as little time outdoors as possible, especially when we have those cold mornings and strong winds.

Finally, see that you and your loved ones are eating properly. Proper nutrition and necessary hydration provide energy to generate body heat.

Perhaps most important to all of this is to make sure the newborns, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses have a warm place to be when the cold air spreads over the area.

Just like when summer's heat claims lives, so does winter's brutal cold. If you know of someone who might be hesitant to turn up the heat in their dwelling, invite them to stay with you until the cold air leaves.

The same goes for your fur babies. Here, again, when summer's heat makes the pavement too hot for the pets, winter's cold makes the pavement too cold for them. This will be especially true in the upcoming mornings.

Work and play don't stop when the winter air settles in. How many times have you been driving only to see an automobile stuck on the side of the road? Now is the time to make sure your car's battery is in tip-top working order.

A few other automobile safety tips include checking to make sure your antifreeze levels are where they need to be. Yes, antifreeze is just as important in summer's heat as it is in winter's cold. And, fill that gas tank, making certain it's not below half-filled.

Of course, minimizing travel and staying indoors during the worst part of the cold is also recommended—the less time outdoors the better.

Finally, have a winter emergency kit in your vehicle. You never know when your car might break down. That kit should include things like a blanket, snacks, water, a first aid kit, and even flares to identify your stall.

One more thought is that you know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

Frostbite happens when the skin and the underlying tissues freeze. The early stages of frostbite include redness, tingling, or a burning sensation in the affected area. There could also be a feeling of numbness and stiffness, particularly in the hands and feet.

Hypothermia is when the body's core temperature falls below 95°F. Early stages of this ailment are shivering, cold skin, slurred speech and a sense of confusion. Fatigue and lack of coordination are also possible.

As for this week's cold air, we are particularly concerned with the overnight to post-sunrise time periods each day. Knowing what to do does make a difference when faced with the cold air.