With dangerously frigid temperatures predicted for the upcoming week, Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves is encouraging residents to be prepared so they can help stay safe.

"The National Weather Service is calling for arctic air with wind chills from 15 to 30 degrees below zero later in the week.  It's important to be prepared and take steps ahead of time, if possible," stated Sheriff Groves.

Some general winter weather safety tips include:

• Limit the amount of time outside in the cold
• If you must be outside, properly layer clothing, including socks, gloves, appropriate shoes and hats
• Check on elderly family and neighbors
• If you use a space heater in your home, do not leave it unattended and make sure there are not flammable items, including clothing, near the heater
• Work slowly when doing outside chores
• Make sure tires on your vehicle are properly inflated
• Keep a bottle of water and blanket in your vehicle, should your vehicle stall or go into a ditch if road conditions are slick
• Keep plenty of fuel in your vehicle
• Always plan to be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours, should there be winter power outages or if roads become impassable.  Ensure you have adequate prescriptions, food and necessities.

"In addition to the frigid temps, there is also talk about snow chances.  Should we receive snow and roadways become slick, please plan for additional time for your drive, increase distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, begin slowing early when approaching a stop sign, have your headlights on if your wipers are on, slow down and buckle up," reminded Sheriff Groves.