Submitted photo Ohio Department of Transportation crews prepare for a major weekend storm.

As cold weather and stormy conditions are expected to hit the Mahoning Valley over the weekend, several local groups have advice on how to keep people and pets safe this holiday weekend.

On Thursday morning, the National Weather Service issued a wind chill warning and a winter storm warning for Mahoning and Trumbull counties. They took effect early this morning and will remain in effect until 10 a.m. on Saturday.

The warnings state that road conditions could be slippery and strong winds and blowing snow could create hazardous conditions that could impact the morning and evening commute. Winds could cause damage to trees and powerlines. The winds could create extreme cold conditions that could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.

“If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency,” the warning states. “Avoid outside activities if possible. When outside, make sure you wear appropriate clothing, a hat and gloves.”

Those traveling should check OHGO.com beforehand to view hundreds of live traffic cameras, traffic speeds and to be informed of any crashes or incidents.

Ohio Department of Transportation crews are on standby for the storm, according to a news release. Drivers are ready to begin 12-hour shifts around the clock for as long as the winter weather continues.

Northeast Ohio ODOT has 260,000 tons of salt on hand and more than 300 snowplow drivers ready, according to the release.

ODOT is responsible for treating state and U.S. routes outside of municipalities, as well as all interstates, except the Ohio Turnpike, which has issued its own guidelines.

The following vehicles are banned from using the turnpike until 8 a.m. on Sunday: all tow-behind trailers, campers, boards and enclosed trailers taller than 7-foot 6-inches; commercial trucks towing an empty single 53-foot trailer; all mobile homes, office trailers and livestock trailers; all long combination vehicle (LCV) double-trailer combinations exceeding 90-feet long; all LCV triple-trailer combinations.

For those staying home, the Trumbull County Emergency Management Agency issued a reminder for Valley residents to check on neighbors, especially those who are elderly. Those in need of essential community services, or those who know someone who is, should dial 211 to get information on local services.

During cold weather, all pets should be brought inside, or should have adequate outdoor shelter packed with straw. Animal Charity of Ohio in Youngstown and the Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County said as a general rule of thumb, “If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them.”

If a winter weather advisory is in effect, as one currently is, all animals must be brought inside. Both agencies encourage those who know of any animals without the proper shelter to contact the county agency or the police.

There are also steps one should take to protect their homes from the expected cold temperatures. AquaOhio has issued the following guidance to avoid frozen pipes: prevent drafts in unheated areas, such as crawl spaces or basements by replacing broken glass or making other repairs; shut off and drain any outside faucets, including those used for lawn irrigation; wrap pipes with insulation or heat tape, or indoor water meters with a blanket; for interior plumbing located on an outside wall, as is common with kitchen sinks, wrap heat tape to supply lines or open cabinet doors beneath the sink to allow the warm air in the home to reach the pipes; space heaters can be used with caution; when temperatures remain below 10 degrees, as they are expected to, customers should leave a pencil lead-sized stream of water running continuously from the faucet furthest from the meter, because extra water is cheaper than repairing a broken pipe.

Before cold weather hits, locate and mark the home’s master water valve, so in the case of a pipe breakage, the water can quickly be turned off. If a pipe does freeze, use a hair dryer or heat tape to thaw the affected area.

If the power goes out, Trumbull County EMA advises caution with generators, as these could produce carbon monoxide.

escott@tribtoday.com