Residents across the DuBoisLIVE region — including Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, Forest, Clarion, and Cameron counties — should brace for another stretch of bitter cold temperatures and potential snowfall as winter tightens its grip on the region.

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) has issued new cold-weather preparedness guidance, reminding Pennsylvanians that extreme cold isn’t just uncomfortable — it can be dangerous if people aren’t prepared.

In short: winter is not done with us yet. (It saw its shadow, laughed, and came back with friends.)

What We’re Likely To See

While exact snowfall totals can vary by location, forecasts are pointing to:

• Sub-freezing temperatures, including dangerously cold wind chills
• Periods of snow, potentially impacting travel
• Blowing snow and slick roadways
• Increased risk of power outages due to weather and demand

That combination makes preparation especially important — not just for travel, but for homes, pets, and vulnerable neighbors.

Cold Safety: Start With The Basics

PEMA’s guidance emphasizes limiting exposure and protecting people first:

• Stay inside as much as possible, especially during the coldest overnight and early-morning hours
• Check on older loved ones and neighbors, particularly those who live alone
• Keep pets indoors — if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them
• If you must go outside, take frequent breaks to warm up

Dad joke moment (but serious):

Frostbite does not care how tough you think you are.

Fire Safety: Warmth Without Risk

Cold weather often means space heaters, candles, and creative attempts at warmth — some better than others.

PEMA recommends:

• Give space heaters space — keep them away from curtains, furniture, and anything flammable
• Plug heaters directly into wall outlets, never extension cords
• Use battery-powered lights or flashlights instead of candles during outages
• Clear snow from fire hydrants, which can be critical during emergencies

Reminder: the goal is warm and safe, not warm and on fire.

Prevent Frozen Pipes (Future You Will Thank You)

Frozen pipes are one of winter’s most expensive surprises — and they usually show up at the worst possible time.

To reduce the risk:

• Keep thermostats set to at least 55°F, even if you’re away
• Let cold water trickle from faucets during extreme cold
• Close garage doors, especially if water lines run through them
• Wrap exposed pipes and water meters with insulation

Dad wisdom:

Water expands when it freezes. Pipes do not appreciate that.

Wind & Power Safety: Plan For The “Just In Case”

Strong winds combined with snow and cold can lead to outages and hazardous travel conditions.

PEMA suggests:

• Charge phones, battery packs, and essential devices
• Report power outages promptly to your utility provider
• Watch for blowing snow on roadways, especially in open or rural areas

If you don’t need to be on the roads, the safest move is often not going anywhere at all.

Preparation Doesn’t Have To Be Perfect — Just Intentional

No one expects every household to be fully winter-proofed like a survival bunker. But taking even a few proactive steps can make a real difference during prolonged cold snaps.

Think of it this way:

A little preparation now can prevent a lot of problems later — and possibly a very cold, very expensive phone call to a plumber.

For more winter preparedness tips and official guidance, residents can visit pa.gov/ready and stay tuned to local updates.

Winter may not be done with us — but with some planning, we can make sure it doesn’t get the upper hand. Stay warm, stay safe, and maybe keep an extra blanket handy… just in case.