The days ahead are expected to be some of the coldest we have seen this year.

According to the National Weather Service, our temperatures in Warren County are expected to fall into the low 20s and teens Sunday night through Tuesday night. We won’t even get out of the 30s for several days beginning Saturday night.

With extended periods of temperatures that low, it would be wise to make preparations now to your home and automobiles.

Some suggestions include:

Car care tips

• Have your car battery and charging system checked for optimum performance

• Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in your car’s cooling system

• Have your brakes checked

• Make sure the heater, defroster and windshield wipers work properly

• Check the tire pressure weekly during the winter months

• Make sure your inside lights are working and your headlights are aimed properly

• Change your oil and oil filter at recommended intervals

• Make sure the exhaust system has no leaks

The American Red Cross also has the following suggestions for protecting your home:

• Make sure your home heating source is installed according to local codes, are clean and in working order

• Make sure your home is properly insulated by caulking and weather-stripping doors and windowsills

• Consider buying emergency heating equipment, such as an electric space heater

Also prepare to prevent frozen pipes

• Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break

• Pipes in the garage and under bathroom and kitchen cabinets should be insulated

• Use a pipe sleeve or UL-listed heat tape or heat cable on exposed water pipes

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.

• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.

• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe — even at a trickle — helps prevent pipes from freezing.

• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night.

• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.