Over the past few days, and over the next few days, it has been (and will continue to be) incredibly cold outside.

Many states are seeing freezing temperatures, and more than 700,000 people are without power on the East Coast. While it may not be snowing again in Pensacola, the region is still experiencing very low temperatures.

The lowest daily low recorded in Pensacola is 25 degrees. On Jan. 26th, Pensacola will be 44 degrees during the day with 16 mph winds, and will fall to 23 degrees at night. 

So, for those who may not know how they’re going to make it through without suffering, here are five practical tips as you try not to end up like Anna towards the end of the first Frozen movie:

1. Layer your clothing: According to The National Weather Service (NWS), when cold temperatures and wind hit, the best thing you can do for yourself is to stay inside when possible and stay warm. However, if you must walk to class, “Wear several layers of loose-fitting, light-weight, warm clothing.” They also recommend covering your mouth and wearing mittens instead of gloves.
2. Do not use warm water on your windshield: For those of you driving to class, if there is frost on your windshield, avoid using hot water to melt it. Glass expands in heat, and the sudden temperature change may cause the glass to break. Performance Honda recommends using your defroster, an ice scraper specifically designed for windshields, windshield de-icer spray, or using an alcohol and water-based solution.
3. Drive safely: While this should be done all the time, potentially icy roads pose great risks to drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, if there is ice on the road, slow down. Additionally, tire pressure drops when the temperature falls. Check your tire pressure and ensure it is filled to the recommended level, which should be listed in your driver’s manual and the label on the driver’s side door frame.
4. Keep yourself healthy: with the extreme cold comes the cold and flu season. According to the Centers for Disease Control, a first line of defense is getting up-to-date vaccines, including the cold and flu vaccine. Wash your hands frequently. Avoid touching your face, eyes, and nose. Additionally, wearing a medical-grade mask may not only provide an extra layer of protection from catching an illness, but masks also help prevent transmission to others if you fall ill. Cover your nose and mouth whenever you sneeze or cough, and stay home if you are sick.
5. Don’t burn your place down with a space heater: Living in a dorm or off-campus apartment, you may find your thermostat doesn’t warm your space as much as you would prefer. However, if you choose to use a space heater, make sure you use it safely. According to Safe Electricity, keep heaters out of high-traffic areas and at least three feet away from flammable surfaces (do not put them on your desk or a rug), use only safety-tested heaters and check they’re UL approved, plug them directly into an outlet, and do not leave them running unless you’re actively using them.