Keep walkways free of ice and snow, but avoid overexertion when shoveling:
Rock salt lowers the freezing/thawing threshold of water from 32 degrees to a few degrees lower, allowing ice to melt and prevent ice from forming. Rock salt works the best when it is at least 15 degrees outside and when the sun is shining on the area where you spread the salt.
Calcium chloride works the best for ice control at extremely low temperatures, up to -25 degrees, but it is the most expensive kind of rock salt.
Sodium chloride rock salt has a minimal cost but is least effective at melting ice at low temperatures.
Urea is a type of garden and lawn fertilizer that will melt ice as effectively as sodium chloride rock salt and causes less harm to plants and concrete or asphalt.
Sand, ash cinders or kitty litter will help melt ice in sunny weather and give you traction to prevent you from slipping on black ice.
-Source: Angie’s List
Check on family, friends and neighbors who may be at risk or may need additional assistance.
Bring pets indoors or shelter animals to ensure they have warmth and unfrozen water.
To prevent home water pipes from freezing, open cabinet doors to expose pipes. Allow a low stream of water to flow. If the pipes freeze, clear the cabinets of items that are flammable or capable of melting, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers, run a portable electric heater on the pipes. Do not leave the home unattended.
If you must go outside:
Dress in layers and keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat.
Know the signs of cold-related health issues such as frost bite and hypothermia, and seek medical attention if health conditions are severe.
Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive:
Travel during the day
Be aware of weather conditions and traffic reports
Do not travel alone
Keep others informed of your travel schedule
Make sure your vehicle has an emergency kit that includes an ice scraper, battery jumper cables, a blanket, flashlight, cell phone with car charger, and keep the fuel tank above half-full
-Source: FEMA and the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness