Snowstorm safety tips: How to prepare your home, your vehicle and yourself this winter

Long Island could see its first measurable snowfall of the season this weekend, the National Weather Service said.

The 2 to 4 inches predicted to fall Saturday into Sunday might be just enough to create hazardous travel conditions, the service warned, and the season's first accumulation might mean it's time to break out your shovels.

The last time Long Island experienced measurable snowfall at Long Island MacArthur Airport was Feb. 20, although it was just one-tenth of an inch, according to the service.

This weekend forecast also serves as a reminder to prepare your home, your vehicle and yourself for the winter ahead by brushing up on safety tips.

Bundle up smartly

Planning physical activity outdoors, such as shoveling snow or salting a walkway? Layers are your friend.

Start with a base layer, meaning one that’s next to your skin and designed to wick moisture. Wicking materials include synthetics like polyester and nylon and natural fibers like silk and merino wool all of which keep the skin dry and reduce the chances for hypothermia or becoming chilled. On top of the base layer put on an insulating layer such as a sweater or fleece and an outer shell to protect from snow. Of course, finish it all off with a hat, gloves, thick socks and, ideally, waterproof boots.

Prep your vehicle

If driving is a must, stock up with stuff needed in case you get stranded on the road: blankets, extra water, jumper cables, chains, warm clothes, snacks and a first-aid kit. For extra protection in the event tires get stuck in snow, have cat litter or sand at the ready for better ground traction. Also, consider a phone charging cable and portable battery for electronics. The CDC recommends: "Keep the gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines."

Do warm-ups before shoveling

Jumping jacks, standing squats, lunges and other exercises can help avoid injury. When shoveling, bend at the knee and lift with the legs, not the back. Don’t let snow pile up, since the more there is, the harder it is to clear. And seek medical help if experiencing persistent shortness of breath, palpitations, chest pressure or other signs of overexertion.

Tidy up the yard

Before snowfall hits, check for wayward tree branches that could fall onto your house. Use caution and avoid taking unnecessary risks. If it looks like a complicated job, consider calling in a professional, and if it’s too late for this storm, remove precarious branches for next time.

Address, avoid frozen pipes

For frozen pipes, turn off the water that flows to the outside, then drain what remains from the outside spigot. If you don’t plan to be home during the storm, leave the heat on anyway, to a temperature no lower than 55 degrees. "Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to un-insulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls," according to online advice from State Farm insurance.

Get snow removal equipment ready

Prep equipment before it’s needed, not the morning after the snowstorm. As early as possible, check the snowblower, start it up and run it for a bit. Position tools where needed, such as shovels by the door. Put ice melt down. Leave the snowblower where it can be easily moved.

Make sure smoke, CO2 detectors are working

Check the batteries on smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors. It's always a good idea to check monthly, but particularly when using a wood stove, fireplace or kerosene heater, to make sure the detectors are working.

Prepare your pets

Bring your pets indoors, and if that’s not possible, be sure to provide adequate shelter.

SOURCES: Weather.com, REI, AAA Northeast, NYU Langone, Northwell Health, Stony Brook University, USA Today, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Newsday archives

Newsday’s Matthew Chayes contributed to this story.