There’s little doubt winter is here in full force, with area residents reluctantly accepting that fact this week as the temperatures dip below freezing and fierce north winds send wind chill readings plummeting into the double digits below zero.

Mix in snowfalls across the region that the winds are blowing and drifting and anyone venturing outdoors is facing hazardous conditions.

This holds true for whether you’re walking, driving, skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing or doing anything else outside, so everyone needs to be prepared for whatever the cold weather throws at them. Residents should also make sure their homes are in the proper order to handle an Upper Peninsula winter.

In an effort to assist resident deal with the dangers of extremely cold weather, the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division offers the following advice:

– Stay indoors if possible. If you must go outside, wear protective gear-such as hats, mittens and gloves-in addition to a warm coat. Always protect your lungs with a scarf.

– Watch for signs of frostbite, which include loss of feeling or pale appearance of fingers, toes or face.

– Watch for signs of hypothermia, which include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, drowsiness and exhaustion.

– Understand the hazards of wind chill. As wind speed increases, heat is carried away from a person’s body more rapidly and could lead to severe hypothermia.

– Remove clothing if it gets damp or wet. Wet clothing can make you more prone to hypothermia.

– Weather-proof doors and windows to trap heat inside your home.

– Check heating units. Poorly operating or damaged heating units can release carbon monoxide gas. Test carbon monoxide detectors for proper operation and battery life.

– Check on family, friends and neighbors who are at risk and may need additional assistance.

– Watch pets closely and keep them indoors when possible. Animals can suffer from hypothermia, frostbite and other cold weather injuries.

– Check and restock your emergency preparedness kit. If you don’t have a kit, make one.

– Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a full tank of gas and an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle. Put warm clothing – such as gloves, blankets and hats – in your kit in case you become stranded.

Drivers also need to give themselves more time to get to their destination so they can slow down and drive responsibly, which includes eliminating distractions such as using cell phones.