As people in the Valley wake up to another day of closed schools, event cancellations, icy sidewalks, and sub-zero temperatures, there is light at the end of the frozen tunnel.

Forecasters predict high temperatures in the mid-fifties by Monday. But first, we have to get through another day of single-digit temperatures.

A  Wind Chill Warning remains in effect for the Valley until 4 pm Thursday. Wind chills as low as 25 below zero could cause frostbite to exposed skin in as little a 30 minutes.  

Dangerously low temperatures can create problems for anyone outside, pipes, cars, and more. Below you'll find information for safety and preparations to handle the cold. 

COLD SAFETY: 

Wind chills of 30 degrees below zero can cause frostbite on exposed skin in just ten minutes. 

Frostbite is the freezing of skin and the body tissue just beneath it. It first affects exposed body tissue where blood circulation may be limited such as your fingers, toes, nose, and ears. To minimize frostbite, make sure all body parts are well covered.

When frostbite starts, feeling is lost in the affected area and the frozen tissue will take on a white or pale appearance. If you suspect you are experiencing frostbite, hold the frostbitten area closely against warm skin to return blood flow and warmth to the affected area.

Experts say do not rub the affected skin as that could cause skin damage. 

Hypothermia, on the other hand, is dangerously low body temperature and is the most common winter weather killer. 

Warning signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, slurred speech, and drowsiness. Immediate medical attention should be given to victims suspected of suffering from hypothermia. 

If no help is available, the victim should be warmed slowly with warm liquids along with dry clothing and blankets.

Dr. Harinder Kaur, of Mercy Health, said the best tip to avoid frostbite or hypothermia is to stay inside. However, for those who work in the elements, or have to be in the cold, there are some ways to protect yourself. 

• Bundle Up- dress in layers. Typically experts recommend three layers. Two loose layers underneath a waterproof, insulated coat. 
• Choose loose clothing- make sure clothing is not tight on the skin. Tight clothing is more likely to absorb sweat and become wet. 
• Stay dry- wet clothing leaches body heat, enhancing the risk of hypothermia. 
• Cover your skin- make sure to cover as much skin as possible while you're outside. Utilize scarves, face masks, and more. 
• Don't skip the hat-  At least half of your body heat is lost if your head is not covered.
• Opt for mittens- when possible choose mittens over gloves since the shared warmth will keep fingers warmer. 
• Don't overlook your feet- dress in waterproof, insulated boots when possible. Make sure socks stay dry. 

Avoid the unexpected dangers- make sure to stay hydrated and eat well, since your body requires extra fuel to keep warm. Avoid cigarettes and alcohol since the chemicals can inhibit the body's ability to regulate its temperature. 

ELDERLY:

Dr. Kaur says elderly patients are at an enhanced risk in the cold temperatures, poor circulation, and certain medications can inhibit an elderly person from recognizing the signs that they're getting too cold. 

"Elderly people tend to lose a lot of body heat. it can depend on their health issues, even the medications that they have that can regulate their body temperature. and sometimes they may not even know that they're cold, or have the signs that a typical younger adult would have," Dr. Kaur said. 

For those older patients who find themselves outside Dr. Kaur recommends extremely limiting their time outside, as well as taking extra precautions to cover skin. 

"Older adults are at increased risk for complications from conditions including snow, ice, bitter cold and more. Factors like age-related changes and medication side effects can intensify the impact," said Beverley Laubert, Interim Director of the department. "Extremely cold temperatures equal severe weather, and we ask all Ohioans to check on older loved ones, neighbors and friends during this and other severe weather."

Check on your neighbors

Before, during and after severe winter conditions, check in on older loved ones, friends and neighbors to ensure that they are okay and have the resources they need to remain safe and healthy.

Be aware that confusion, disorientation, and irritability can be symptoms of conditions such as dehydration, stress, and fatigue. If someone appears ill or is injured, call 9-1-1 immediately.

All Ohioans should have a winter preparedness plan that enables them to remain in place for three days if they become unable to leave their homes due to weather conditions. Each household should have an emergency kit that contains, at a minimum, a battery-operated radio, flashlight, extra batteries, a loud whistle or bell, food that you can open and prepare easily, water (one gallon per person per day), extra blankets and a first aid kit.

Older adults may have a few additional considerations:

CHILDREN: 

With the sub-zero temperatures, children will typically find themselves home from school- meaning many will want to take their play out into the snow. 

Parents should take extra precautions to protect their children, who may not be able to communicate needs, or will miss the signs of cold-related dangers. 

When it comes to infants, Dr. Kaur says parents should avoid any trips outside. If an outdoor adventure is absolutely necessary, make sure infants are dressed warmly. Us sleeper pajamas as a bottom layer to provide softness and warmth near the skin. Utilize infant mittens and hats. When possible, cover the infant in their carrier with a blanket until they're back indoors. 

Although infants can't express when they're too cold, parents can watch for reddened skin, excessive fussiness, or crying. Any of those can indicate an infant is losing too much heat too quickly. 

Older children are better suited for handling the cold. 

"With toddlers and older children generally they're more active outside and that helps with the body heat," said Dr. Kaur. 

However, that doesn't mean it's safe for them outdoors. Experts recommend limiting time outside to no more than 20-30 minutes at once. Then head inside, warm up, and head back out only if you must. 

But if kids are heading outside to play, make sure all skin, including their face, is covered. Parents should also frequently check children's under layers to make sure they aren't becoming wet with sweat. If clothing becomes wet, it should be changed immediately. 

Although it's one of the most common fabrics, experts recommend avoiding cotton blend fabrics, opting instead for wools or other heavy fabrics. 

HOME HEATING: 

Though much rarer, frostbite can even occur indoors when there is a lack of proper heating of insulation. 

Some steps to make your home warmer:

• Seal off windows- use plastic wrap to block out windows. For an easy hack, use large bubble wrap, mist the window with water, then stick the bubble wrap to it. The extra layer will help to shield the window. 
• Use foam tape to insulate doors and windows where possible. 
• Use towels- for a last-minute fix to help keep out the cold, use rolled up towels or blankets to block the wind from getting into doors and windows. 

When it comes to using heaters around your home, homeowners should use extreme care. 

But the U.S. Fire Administration says heating is the second leading cause of house fires. 

The USFA says home heating fires typically peak in the early evening hours between 5 and 9 pm with the highest peak between 6 and 8 pm. This four-hour period accounted for 29 percent of all home heating fires from 2013-2015. 

Fortunately, the Fire Administration has some tips for how to keep homes safe. 

Space Heater

• Keep anything that can burn, such as bedding, clothing and curtains, at least 3
• feet away from the heater.
• Make sure the heater has an automatic shut-off, so if it tips over, it shuts off.
• Turn heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
• Plug portable heaters directly into outlets and never into an extension cord or
• power strip.
• Only use portable heaters from a recognized testing laboratory.

Fireplace

• Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace to prevent embers or sparks jumping out.
• Do not burn paper in your fireplace.
• Put the fire out before you go to sleep or leave your home.
• Put ashes in a metal container with a lid, outside, at least 3 feet from your home. 

Wood Stove

• Make sure your wood stove is 3 feet from anything that can burn.
• Do not burn paper in your wood stove.
• Put the fire out before you go to sleep or leave your home.
• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned each year by a professional.

Furnace

• Have your furnace inspected each year
• Keep anything that can burn away from the furnace.

Kerosene Heater

• Only use kerosene heaters from a recognized testing laboratory.
• Make sure the heater has an automatic shut-off, so if it tips over, it shuts off.
• Refuel your cooled heater outside.

FROZEN PIPES: 

A major source of commotion for homeowners during the frigid temperatures are frozen or bursting water pipes. 

Homeowners can prepare their homes now to prevent a potentially catastrophic pipe burst. 

• Locate and visibly mark the master valve so customers can turn off the water to their home in case pipes break.
• Make sure the lids on outdoor meter pits are not broken or missing.
• Prevent drafts in unheated areas, such as crawl spaces or basements, by replacing broken glass or making other repairs.
• Wrap pipes with insulation material or heat tape.
• Wrap indoor water meters with a blanket. 
• For pipes under counters, such as in a kitchen or bathroom, open the cupboard doors to allow warmer air to work its way inside. 
• For interior plumbing located on an outside wall such as a kitchen sink, install heat tape to the pipes beneath the sink. 

When temperatures remain below 10 degrees, customers might want to leave a thin stream of water running continuously from at least one tap—preferably the one farthest from where the water enters the home.

If pipes do freeze and the customer can locate the frozen area, use a hair dryer or heat tape to thaw the area.

There are many "do it yourself" products available at stores like The Home Depot to keep pipes from freezing.

CAR TIPS: 

Cold weather is not just hard on you it's hard on your car.  Now's the time to make sure your vehicle will make it through the deep freeze.

Here are 6 essential ways to prep your car for the extreme cold from esurance.com

Refill your fluids

• Check your windshield washer fluid and think about replacing it with something formulated expressly for cold weather. Winter blends use a greater ratio of alcohol-to-water and are less likely to freeze.
• Refill anti-freeze (be careful not to mix colors) or flush it if it hasn't been changed in a few years.
• Check your oil and consider changing to a cool-temp formulation with lower viscosity for better winter performance.

Get winter wiper blades

• Swapping out your standard windshield wipers for winter blades can do wonders for your visibility in harsh driving conditions. These blades have been tested to withstand and perform at extremely low temps and are designed to be more flexible, protecting better against the buildup of snow and ice.

Take care of your battery

• A bout of cold weather can be the death knell for a worn battery, so assess your battery's health before the cold weather begins (hot summer days also take a toll on car batteries). Change your battery every 3 years (follow the manufacturer's instructions for your vehicle) and check for signs of corrosion.

Invest in winter tires

• All-season tires are fine most of the time, but if you're dealing with extremely cold temperatures and slick pavement, it might be worth investing in a good pair of winter tires. With specialized tread patterns and rubber compounds, winter tires will give you the enhanced traction you need on icy roads.

Check your tire pressure

• In cool air, tire pressure can drop. You'll want your tires properly inflated all winter long in order to maintain optimal traction, so it's important to do periodic checks to ensure they're at the right levels. Each car is different, though, so check your car manual for the recommended amount.

Grease your locks

• Car locks can freeze in the extreme cold. Using grease or lubricant spray can help keep all your car's moving parts in working order. Inject lubricant spray into lock cylinders to keep things moving all winter long. And if you have a little extra time, try lubricating your door hinges too.

In an emergency situation, in addition to a full tank of gas and fresh antifreeze, the National Safety Council recommends having these with you at all times:

For those who find themselves in need of a ride, the Western Reserve Transit Authority says they'll be offering free rides to anyone in need on Wednesday, in order to prevent people from having to walk. 

WARMING CENTERS: 

When power outages occur, or generators fail, many homeowners find themselves in the cold. 

To help those in the community who need it, several communities are preparing to open warming centers. 

Two governments and one private business in the Valley are offering people shelter from this weeks predicted wind chills.

NEW MIDDLETOWN

In Mahoning County, the New Middletown Municipal building will be available this week to any residents displaced due to the cold weather

The Municipal Building is located at 10711 Main Street.

NILES

In Trumbull County, the Niles Wellness Center will be open to Niles residents as a warming station from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, January 30, 2019, and Thursday, January 31, 2019, for those without access to heat or electricity. The Wellness Center provides access to vending machines, water, coffee, and a heated environment.

The Niles Fire Department will also be open to Niles residents as an overnight warming station beginning 9 p.m. Wednesday until 9 a.m. Thursday. 

EAST LIVERPOOL

In Columbiana County the city of East Liverpool plans to open the following locations as warming centers in the event of a power outage due to cold temperatures between now and Tuesday:

• East Liverpool Middle School/Westgate
• 810 West 8th Street
• East Liverpool, Ohio 43920

• East Liverpool Community Resource Center
• 940 State Street
• East Liverpool, Ohio 43920

East Liverpool Warming Center Guidelines

• Individuals using the Warming Center must comply with all rules and policies and adhere to the following guidelines:
• Bring your own reading material and any other personal items you require.
• Amplified sound devices are prohibited.
• Supply your own water and snacks.
• There are no medical services provided at either of these facilities. If medical attention is needed please go to East Liverpool City Hospital for treatment

When the city of East Liverpool Warming Centers open, an announcement will be sent out via the NIXLE alerting system and also via the city's social media page. Every effort will be made to also announce warming center operations on wfmj.com.

SALEM

In Salem, the operators of the Stables Inn and Suites say on their Facebook page that they are offering shelter from the freezing weather for those without homes. The offer of a free night's stay is being made Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday.

The Inn is located in the Timberlanes Complex, 544 East Pershing Street, Salem, Ohio 44460

For the latest on warming centers in the Valley, check here often. 

SCHOOL CLOSINGS: 

The StormTracker 21 weather team is anticipating a wide array of school closures through the area on Wednesday and into Thursday. 

Youngstown City Schools became the first district in the Valley to cancel classes for Wednesday. More are expected to follow. 

Tuesday afternoon, Youngstown State University announced they were canceling classes. 

The university, however, will remain open on Wednesday. Non-essential employees expected to report to work unless they use unscheduled leave. Essential employees should still report to work unless otherwise notified.

You can find the latest school closings and delays here. 

PETS AND OTHER ANIMALS

In the state of Ohio, a pet owner who leaves their animal outside during frigid temperatures could face criminal charges. 

State law dictates that criminal charges could be filed "if it can reasonably be expected that the companion animal would become sick or suffer in any other way as a result of or due to the deprivation or confinement" of shelter, food, or water. 

Under the state law, a first offense is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and $750 fine. A second offense is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. 

In addition, several local communities, including Youngstown, Warren Girard, Struthers, and others have adopted their own tethering ordinances regarding rules for an animal left outside in the cold. 

If you see an animal left out in the cold, the Human Society of the United States suggests calling your local dog warden or humane society. 

• Report what you see: Take note of the date, time, exact location and the type of animal(s) involved and write down as many details as possible about the situation. Video and photographic documentation of the animal, the location, the surrounding area, etc. (even a cell phone photo) will help bolster your case.
• Contact your local animal control agency or county sheriff's office and present your complaint and evidence. Take detailed notes regarding whom you speak with and when.

In addition to watching for pets in the community, officials recommend preparing your pet for a worst-case scenario. 

If you leave your pets behind, they may be lost, injured – or worse. Never leave a pet chained outdoors. Plan options include:

Have your pet microchipped and make sure that you not only keep your address and phone number up-to-date but that you also include contact info for an emergency contact outside of your immediate area.

Call your local emergency management office, animal shelter or animal control office to get advice and information.

If you are unable to return to your home right away, you may need to board your pet. Find out where pet boarding facilities are located.

Most boarding kennels, veterinarians and animal shelters will need your pet's medical records to make sure all vaccinations are current.

TIPS FOR LARGE ANIMALS

If you have large animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, goats or pigs on your property, be sure to prepare before a disaster.

Ensure all animals have some form of identification.

Evacuate animals whenever possible. Map out primary and secondary routes in advance.

Make available vehicles and trailers needed for transporting and supporting each type of animal. Also, make available experienced handlers and drivers.

Ensure destinations have food, water, veterinary care, and handling equipment.

If evacuation is not possible, animal owners must decide whether to move large animals to shelter or turn them outside.

Take extra time to observe livestock, looking for early signs of disease and injury. Severe cold-weather injuries or death primarily occur in the very young or in animals that are already debilitated.

Animals suffering from frostbite don't exhibit pain. It may be up to two weeks before the injury becomes evident as the damaged tissue starts to slough away. At that point, the injury should be treated as an open wound and a veterinarian should be consulted.

Make sure your livestock has the following to help prevent cold-weather problems:

BUILD A SURVIVAL KIT FOR YOUR PET

Include basic survival items and items to keep your pet happy and comfortable.

Start with this list:

EVENT CANCELLATIONS: 

Fundraisers, organizations, and events across the Valley are adjusting their schedules in advance of the cold. 

For more on event cancellations, click here. 

To report an event cancellation or closure, please call our newsroom at 330-744-8821.