The temperatures during the last month or two have been pretty brutal. Extended periods of time with below-freezing temperatures have taxed many home furnaces and personal cars and trucks.

With continued cold weather forecasted for the upcoming weeks, it is important that we remain vigilant in our readiness for cold weather emergencies at home and while driving.

Extremely cold temperatures often accompany winter storm fronts, so you might have to cope with power failures and icy roads. Although staying indoors as much as possible can help reduce the risk of car crashes and falls on the ice, you might also face indoor hazards.

Many homes will be too cold -- either due to a power failure or because the heating system isn't adequate for the weather. When people must use space heaters and fireplaces to stay warm, the risk of household fires, as well as the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, increases.

Although periods of extreme cold cannot always be predicted far in advance, weather forecasts can sometimes provide you with several days' notice. Listen to weather forecasts regularly and check your emergency supplies whenever a period of extreme cold is predicted.

If you are using a fireplace or wood stove for emergency heating, have your chimney or flue inspected each year. Ask your local fire department to recommend an inspector, or find one in the yellow pages of your telephone directory under "chimney cleaning."

Also, if you are using a fireplace, wood stove or kerosene heater, install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near the area to be heated. Test them monthly, and replace batteries twice yearly.

Your ability to feel a change in temperature decreases with age, and older people are more susceptible to health problems caused by cold. If you are older than 65, place an easy-to-read thermometer in an indoor location where you will see it frequently and check the temperature of your home often during the winter months.

Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so your water supply will be less likely to freeze. To the extent possible, weatherproof your home by adding weather stripping, insulation, insulated doors and storm windows, or thermal-pane windows.

If you have pets, bring them indoors. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure that they have access to unfrozen water.

It is always in our best interest if we each plan ahead and are prepared. There are steps you can take in advance for greater wintertime safety in your home and in your car. Below are suggestions from the Department of Health and Human Services Web site.

Identify a safe alternative way to heat your home during a power failure

* Dry firewood for a fireplace or wood stove, kerosene for a kerosene heater or furnace fuel (coal, propane, or oil)

Emergency supplies list:

* Electric space heater with automatic shut-off switch and non-glowing elements.

* Blankets.

* Matches.

* Multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher.

* First aid kit and instruction manual.

* Flashlight or battery-powered lantern.

* Battery-powered radio and clock.

* Extra batteries.

* Non-electric can opener.

* Snow shovel.

* Rock salt.

* Special needs items (diapers, hearing aid batteries, medications, etc.).

Keep several days' supply of these items:

* Food that needs no cooking or refrigeration, such as bread, crackers, cereal, canned foods and dried fruits. Remember baby food and formula if you have young children.

* Water stored in clean containers, or purchased bottled water (5 gallons per person) in case your water pipes freeze and rupture.

* Medicines that any family member might need.

* If your home is isolated, stock additional amounts of food, water and medicine.

Indoor Safety

* Use fireplace, wood stoves, or other combustion heaters only if they are properly vented to the outside and do not leak flue gas into the indoor air space.

* If you plan to use a wood stove, fireplace or space heater, be extremely careful and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

* Do not burn paper in a fireplace.

* Ensure adequate ventilation if you must use a kerosene heater.

* Use only the type of fuel your heater is designed to use -- don't substitute.

* Do not place a space heater within 3 feet of anything that might catch on fire, such as drapes, furniture or bedding, and never cover your space heater.

* Never place a space heater on top of furniture or near water.

* Never leave children unattended near a space heater.

* Make sure the cord of an electric space heater is not a tripping hazard but do not run the cord under carpets or rugs.

* Avoid using extension cords to plug in your space heater.

* If your space heater has a damaged electrical cord or produces sparks, don't use it.

* Store a multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher near the area to be heated.

* Protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning by installing a battery-operated CO detector and never use generators, grills, camp stoves or similar devices indoors.

* Use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns rather than candles, if possible.

* Never leave lit candles unattended.

* Never use an electric generator indoors, inside the garage, or near the air intake of your house because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Plug in appliances to the generator using individual heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords. Do not use the generator or appliances if they are wet because of the risk of electrocution. Do not store gasoline indoors where the fumes could ignite.

As we continue to deal with colder temperatures, advance planning and safety is very important in our effort to keep ourselves and loved ones safe. For additional information concerning winter preparedness check out The Department of Health and Human Services Web site www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/guide.asp#home.

Plan ahead and be safe.

Philip Hartsfield is assistant chief of the Hays Police Department.