A hard freeze is expected across large sections of Alabama later this week, with temperatures dropping into the single digits overnight Wednesday in some areas, and wind chills making it feel even colder.

Here are some tips on how you can stay warm while saving energy:

 If you use portable electric heaters, use them only in small areas.　Buy models that are thermostatically controlled. Place these in well-ventilated areas away from flammable objects.

 Use an electric blanket at night.　An electric blanket is more economical than heating the entire house all night long.

 Use a small room fan or ceiling fan to circulate and distribute heated air. When reversed, ceiling fans can circulate hot air trapped near the ceiling.

 Although a crackling fire in the fireplace can make a room appear to be more warm and cozy, fireplaces are often a deterrent to energy efficiency　because a lot of the heated air escapes up the chimney. A fireplace designed for providing heat eliminates this problem through a draft which supplies the fire with outside air rather than air from the room.

 Keep cold wind outside by closing garage doors. Close all louvers and vents in the attic or foundation walls during the winter – but be sure to open them when the weather turns warm.

 Leave draperies open on sunny days　so your house will absorb the sun's heat. Close them on the shaded side of the house and at night.

 Make sure heating outlets and return air registers are not blocked　by furniture, draperies, doors or other obstacles.

Be sure to check on elderly neighbors to ensure they have adequate heat. Bring all pets indoors until warmer temperatures return.

If you have to be outside during frigid temperatures, consider these important safety precautions:

 Parts of the body especially vulnerable to the cold include fingers, legs, feet, toes, head, ears, face and nose. Keep them warm by wearing gloves, socks, hats, ear warmers and waterproof gloves and boots.

 Eat hot meals loaded with carbohydrates to provide fuel that produces heat for the body.

 While working in the cold, stay physically active and take frequent breaks in a warm, dry place.

Hypothermia and frostbite are caused by overexposure to extremely cold temperatures. Both conditions require immediate medical attention.

Frostbite occurs when flesh freezes. The exposed flesh first appears reddish and then begins to turn grayish-white. Hypothermia occurs when the core body temperature falls below normal. Symptoms of hypothermia include:

 Shivering

 Chattering teeth

 Slurred speech

 Lack of coordination

If someone shows signs of hypothermia, move the person inside to a warmer temperature. Give him or her a warm drink if they are conscious and seek medical assistance immediately.

For more information on being winter ready, check out the new e-book at www.alabamapower.com.

Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), provides reliable, affordable electricity to more than 1.4 million customer across the state.