With snow advisories in North Georgia and temperatures expected to reach the teens both Wednesday and Thursday night, you might want to take a glance at our winter survival tips.

OUT AND ABOUT

•Of course you're wearing a heavy coat and probably a scarf today, but don't forget about your ears and hands, which can get chapped in windy, cold weather. When shopping for mittens, wool or a wool blend will keep your hands warmest. Consider earmuffs and remember to keep lip balm handy.

AT HOME

•Plants: Rosemary topiaries or potted citrus plants or roses should be moved close to the wall of your house for warmth. Cover plants such as camellias with an old sheet or, for plants taller than 3 feet, black plastic. Remove coverings when the weather warms up to about 40 degrees. Be sure to turn off automatic sprinklers, detach hoses from faucets and wrap the faucets to protect outdoor pipes.

•Pipes: Insulate or heat pipes in attics and crawl spaces with insulation or electric tape. Seal vents and other openings in crawl spaces to keep cold wind from blowing against pipes. Open doors under sinks to allow heated air in the house to warm pipes. Keep indoor faucets, hot and cold, at a slow drip.

•Pets: It's best to keep pets indoors. Dogs who live outdoors should have a doghouse that's elevated a few inches and has cedar shavings, straw or a blanket to trap body heat. Consider dog sweaters during walks. Pets who spend time outdoors need more food because cold weather saps energy.

ON THE ROAD

•Slow down. The posted speed limit is for driving on dry pavement. Stopping on any slick surface takes a longer distance. It's physics. Keep three seconds or more between you and the vehicle in front of you.

•Be gentle. Pretend there is an egg between your foot and the accelerator. This is the best way to maintain traction and avoid skids. Apply brakes gentler and allow yourself more time to stop.

•Skid control. If your rear wheels skid, simply steer where you want to go. If the front wheels skid, steer straight until you regain control. Take your foot off the gas in both cases.

•Be prepared. Winterize your safety kit. You do have a safety kit in the trunk, don't you? One with a flashlight and first-aid kit? Now toss in a few extra things such as a blanket, wool cap, gloves, ice scraper, and cat litter or sand to give you some traction in snow or ice.