Temperatures are expected to drop to the low to mid-teens during the week, with overnight lows dropping to between 5 and 9 degrees or lower from Tuesday through Friday.

The Kansas Division of Emergency Management says residents are advised to prepare before the temperature drops by assembling an emergency kit for your home that includes a battery operated radio, flashlight, and extra batteries, extra blankets and warm clothing. Food that can be easily prepared and plenty of clean drinking water are also essential (in case water supply lines become compromised).

Visit www.ready.gov for a complete list of items for an emergency kit for your home or vehicle.

As the temps drop, open cabinet doors under sinks and turn faucets to a slow drip to help prevent pipes from freezing.

Place rolled-up towels or blankets around drafty windows or doors to help keep warm air inside and cold air outside.

Check that portable space heaters have been tested and certified to the latest safety standards.

It is important that residents minimize their exposure to the outdoors if at all possible. If you need to go outside, be sure to monitor yourself for signs of frostbite or hypothermia. Dress in layers. Wear mittens or gloves, and a hat–at least half of your natural body heat is lost if your head is exposed. Wear waterproof insulated boots.

Signs of hypothermia are shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. If you are showing signs of hypothermia, go to a warm room. Warm the center of the body first–chest, neck, head, and groin. Keep dry and wrapped in warm blankets; including the head and neck.

Signs of frostbite are a loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers and toes along with numbness, white or grayish yellow skin, and firm or waxy skin. If you are exhibiting any of these signs, go to a warm room and soak in warm water. Use body heat to warm yourself and do not massage or use a heating pad.