Help yourself and your neighbors in the storm

This is when knowing your neighbor comes in handy. While the forecast this weekend is warming up, the National Weather Service still predicts ice accumulation up to half an inch in the Tri-Cities. This may mean bad travel conditions, downed trees and power lines and power outages. As you prepare for the storm, remember to help each other as well. Be a "snow angel" when you can — especially if you have a four-wheel drive that can dig others out of trouble. Text your neighbor (you should have their phone number, after all) to see if they need anything. Peer out the window every once in a while to see if your friends need help shoveling. Volunteer at a warming shelter if you're able. And if you need a reminder now or for the future, here's a comprehensive list of the preparations and precautions you, your family and friends should take in a wintry bluster. Load up on shelf-stable meals and water, secure a heat source You need more than French toast supplies. Prepare some meals ahead of time or have filling shelf-stable foods ready. Good options include protein bars, beans, corn and beef jerky. Fill up some water bottles or have disposable ones on hand. You should also have a heat source available in case of a power outage. Whether that's a propane tank, generator or some candles, have a plan. If the power does go out, identify the warmest room in your house. Then close the blinds, stuff the bottom of doors with towels and layer up. You can also run the heat a little higher this weekend to secure a good baseline temperature. Keep faucets dripping Run a steady trickle out of all faucets to prevent pipes from bursting. Open the cupboard doors and wrap any exposed pipes that get a lot of exposure to the cold. Top off your gas and charge your devices A full tank reduces condensation. It's also good to be prepared in case you do need to drive, warm up or charge devices in the car. Keep all necessary devices, including a portable power bank, charged in case of a power outage. Have fun screen-free activities available if you do need in-the-dark entertainment. Bring in animals If you have outdoor animals, bring them in or make sure they are in a comfortable, dry environment with access to drinking water. Freezing temperatures increase the risk of hypothermia, so monitor your pet for any odd behavior. The Red Cross also has a Pet First Aid app that gives veterinary advice. Antifreeze is poisonous. If you're taking it out this weekend, keep it out of reach. Shovel gradually and stay hydrated Shoveling heavy wet snow can put you at an increased risk of a heart attack, especially if you're middle-aged or older. Shovel gradually as snow falls, hydrate and keep warm to stay heart healthy. Use your snowblower properly Check your snowblower before the precipitation starts. That includes filling it with fresh fuel and oil, checking tires and other machine parts. It also doesn't hurt to take a glance at the manual if it's been a minute. Always start your snowblower outside, not in a garage, so you don't start a fire or get carbon monoxide poisoning. Don't blow snow into the road, and know how to properly clear a jam in your machine. Let people know where you are Someone who is not staying in your home should know where you are. Keep each other safe by keeping tabs. Overall, you don't need to prep for doomsday — seriously, leave some milk and bread for the rest of us — but remember that it's better to be overprepared in the end, especially when freezing temperatures are involved. And if we do get a lot of snow, shovel the heaps directly in front of your mailbox. Not only will it make sure your favorite newspaper is delivered, but it will help with your other mail, too. The Six Rivers Media Editorial Board includes Chief Executive Officer Allen Rau, Publisher Ron Waite, General Manager Tim Archer, Content Director Rob Walters, Content Editor Carol Broyles, Kingsport Times News Managing Editor Holly Viers, Johnson City Press Managing Editor Cliff Hightower, Statehouse Reporter Ben Smith and Health Reporter Joy Mazur.