Winter Storm Alert! 4 Safety Tips Capital Region Residents Must Know

These are 4 crucial things to know to survive this weekend's Winter Storm Watch and a Severe Weather Advisory in the Capital Region. Extremely cold conditions Saturday and Sunday followed by a major snow storm Sunday into Monday.

New Yorkers are urged to take steps ahead of extremely cold and stormy conditions to prevent any personal health issues and to protect your property. The weather scenario for this weekend could be harmful to humans, pets, your home and your vehicle.

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According to the National Weather Service, there is a Cold Weather Advisory in effect, with very cold wind chill of 15 to 25 degrees below, from now until midday Saturday. There is also a Winter Storm Watch in effect from 7am Sunday until 7pm Monday. Heavy snow accumulations of 12-18 inches possible. Here are some precautions.

Frozen Fuel Lines - The gas in your vehicle is not likely to freeze, it's the moisture in your tank you have to be careful of. The closer your gas tank is to being empty, the greater the risk of condensation freezing. Best to keep at least half a tank of gas in your vehicle so the fuel line doesn't freeze and clog.

Frozen Pets - It's generally too cold for pets outside when the temperature drops to freezing. Same with your vehicle, if it is 15 degrees outside it will be 15 degrees inside a car without the motor running. Keeps pets inside the home to prevent hypothermia and frostbite.

Frozen Pipes - The forecast indicates that the Capital Region will not see temperatures above 20 degrees for the next 10 days. This puts your house pipes are at risk of freezing. Start dripping faucets and and keep cabinet doors open under sinks to keep pipes warm.

Read more; New Yorkers Urged to 'Burp' Their Homes This Winter

Shelter Inside - If you or someone you know has no place to shelter this winter there are several resources to explore. Find Help, Catholic Charities, Capital City Rescue Mission, to name a few.