Ways to Stay Warm During this Cold Snap

Well one thing is for sure, January finally woke up and joined the weather party with this cold snap.

Brr... It's just too cold.

So how to keep warm on the frigid days? Here's several tips.

NBC Chicago listed "18 Ways to Stay Warm when it's Ridiculously Cold"

1. Bundle up - Layers, layers, layers, just make sure they're breathable. The biggest concern is not keeping your body's core warm.

2. Eat foods that keep you warm -  Eating extra, healthy fats during the winter can help rev up metabolism, which then heats the body.

3. Don't drink alcohol to keep you warm. It might make you feel warm but it actually decreases your body's temperature.

4. Keep your toes warm - Hypothermia is big concern during these frigid days make sure  to "wear sturdy, insulated shoes that will help prevent slips on slick surfaces and keep your feet dry."

5. Wear your sunglasses - Protect your eyes from getting damage from the glare off the snow.

6. Remember the Three-Feet Rule when using space heaters - "remember to keep anything flammable at least three feet away from the heater at all times."

7. Take care of your animals - Although they have a furry coat they too get cold. "Bring pets inside when temperatures begin to drop. If they can't come inside, provide enough bedding and insulated shelter for them to keep warm. If temperatures are below freezing, remember to check pets' water and replace it if it has frozen."

8. Keep an eye on your fireplace - Fireplaces are perfect to fight the chill of these freezing days but "but always make sure that fireplace embers are completely out before going to bed for the night."

9. Don't leave your car running unattended - This is just an open invitation for theives to steal your car.

10. Always have a car emergency kit ready and waiting in your car. By the way you can sign up to win one through our "Win Stuff" tab on the website.

11. Keep your house at a constant temperature - "Setting your thermostat at the same temperature day and night will help prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting."

12. Protect your water pipes - "Let your hot and cold faucets drip overnight and opening cabinet doors to allow heat to get to uninsulated pipes under sinks and on exterior walls."

13. Watch  out for antifreeze - Some people have used antifreeze to keep ice off their sidewalks. Don't walk you pets through those areas. Yikes! I've never heard of that being used, how terrible.

14. Get familiar with what certain weather terms mean - Know the difference between winter storm warning and watch, etc...

15. Always check on the road conditions before starting out on your trip to work, school and the like.

16. Have your utility company phone numbers available for cases of emergency for power outages, downed electric lines, etc..

17. Look for signs of Hypothermia - "Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can result in hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature. A body temperature that's too low can affect the brain, which makes hypothermia particularly dangerous because the victim may not know it is happening. Hypothermia is most likely at very cold temperatures, but it can occur even at merely cool temperatures (above 40°F) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat or submersion in cold water."

18. Be on the look out for the homeless needing a warm shelter or clothing to brave the weather. Call your local shelter hot line or authorities.

Well that's a lengthy list but it certainly can help us get through these cold winter days.