Freezing temperatures and dangerous wind chills are impacting communities across Pennsylvania. The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania urges neighbors to use caution and provides the following tips to stay safe during this extreme cold stretch:

WINTER SAFETY Stay warm indoors. If your home becomes too cold, go to a public library, shopping mall or warming center.

• Use care with space heaters and fireplaces to prevent fires. Keep anything that could catch fire at least three feet from the heat. Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.

• Use battery-powered lights and flashlights instead of candles to prevent fires.

• Carbon monoxide kills. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, don’t use an oven to heat your home. If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak, get to fresh air right away.

• If you must go outside, wear layers of loose clothing, a coat, hat, mittens and water-resistant boots. Use a scarf to cover your face and mouth.

• Check on loved ones and neighbors to make sure they are staying warm, particularly if they are older or live alone.

• Be careful walking on snow or ice and avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. If possible, work with a partner and take frequent breaks.

• Stay off the roads when possible. If you become stranded, stay in vehicle and wait for help.

• Learn more at redcross.org/winter.

FROSTBITE AND HYPOTHERMIA Stay warm to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. Your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes are often the first areas affected.

• Signs of frostbite include pain, numbness or a change in skin color.

• Signs of hypothermia, which can be deadly, often include shivering, confusion, drowsiness and slurred speech.

• Act fast and get out of the cold immediately if you see signs of hypothermia or frostbite.

• Get emergency medical care right away.