If you have not already done so, it’s time to prepare for the arrival of Kenan, a “powerful Nor’easter” that could deliver total accumulations around Newtown in excess of eight inches and wind gusts of 40 mph to Newtown overnight Friday and through Saturday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

A period of snow showers could even precede the main weather event early Friday afternoon.

That means if needed, get to the store for necessities, check generators and fill gas cans, pick up extra sand at the local transfer station before 3 pm Friday, and have shovels and plows ready to go.

Earlier this morning, a NWS Winter Weather Watch that had been in place over the region was upgraded to a Warning. The warning officially goes into effect at 7 pm tonight, and will remain in effect until at least 7 pm Saturday, January 29.

Public Works Director Fred Hurley told The Newtown Bee that every available municipal vehicle is "available and ready," along with Town crews and contractors who will be on duty starting around midnight Friday. They will remain so through the night, all day Saturday, and likely into at least Sunday morning, he said.

The National Weather Service says heavy snow is expected across the region, and could bring accumulations of 6 to 9 inches of precipitation before moving out of the area. Sustained winds of 15 to 20 mph are forecast with gusts as high as 45 mph and wind chill values of -5 to 5 degrees.

Significant snowfall is expected to ramp up after 1 am Saturday, with near blizzard conditions possible for a period on Saturday from late morning into the afternoon, the weather service announced.

What You Should Do

The American Red Cross this week issued reminders for everyone to prepare in anticipation of the upcoming storm.

Below are some tips on preparing for a winter storm.

*Assemble an emergency preparedness kit: Pack a winter-specific supply kit that includes a warm coat, hat, mittens or gloves, and water-resistant boots, along with extra blankets and extra warm clothing for each family member.

Sand or non-clumping cat litter is good to have on hand to help make walkways or steps less slippery.

Additionally, make sure you have a first aid kit and a supply of essential medications, canned food and can opener, bottled water, flashlights and a battery-powered radio with extra batteries in your home in the event of a power outage.

*Protect pipes from freezing.

*Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out. Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide an extra layer of insulation to keep cold air out.

*Make sure you have enough heating fuel on hand. Conserve fuel. Winter storms can last for several days, placing great demand on electric, gas, and other fuel distribution systems (fuel oil, propane, etc.).

*Stay indoors and wear warm clothes. Layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing will keep you warmer than a bulky sweater. If you feel too warm, remove layers to avoid sweating; if you feel chilled, add layers.

*Check on relatives, neighbors and friends, particularly if they are elderly or if they live alone.

Stay Safe Outside

For anyone who must go outside, protect yourself from winter storm hazards:

*Wear layered clothing, mittens or gloves, and a hat. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Mittens or gloves and a hat will prevent the loss of body heat.

*Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from severely cold air. Avoid taking deep breaths; minimize talking.

*Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.

*Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses much of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly away from the body.

*Stretch before you go out. If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body. This will reduce your chances of muscle injury.

*Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a vehicle, or walking in deep snow. The strain from the cold and the hard labor may cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to a chill and hypothermia.

*Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks. Slips and falls occur frequently in winter weather, resulting in painful and sometimes disabling injuries.

*Use public transportation if possible. About 70 percent of winter deaths related to ice and snow occur in automobiles.

Winter Driving Safety

Stay off the road if possible during severe weather. For those who must drive in winter weather, the American Red Cross offers these tips:

*Keep the following in every vehicle:

*A windshield scraper and small broom.

*A small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels and a set of tire chains or traction mats.

*Matches in a waterproof container.

*A brightly colored (preferably red) cloth to tie to the antenna.

*An emergency supply kit, including warm clothing.

*Keep the vehicle’s gas tank full in the event of needing it in an emergency and to keep the fuel line from freezing.

*Make sure everyone has their seatbelts on.

*Give full attention to the road.

*Do not follow other vehicles too closely. Sudden stops are difficult on snowy roadways.

*Don’t use cruise control when driving in winter weather.

*Don’t pass snow plows.

*Ramps, bridges and overpasses freeze before roadways.

If You Get Stranded

If you become stranded: Stay in the vehicle and wait for help. Do not leave the vehicle to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards (91 meters). Disorientation and getting confused in blowing snow can happen very quickly.

Display a trouble sign to indicate you need help. Hang a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) on the radio antenna and raise the hood after snow stops falling.

Run the engine occasionally to keep warm. Turn on the engine for about 10 minutes each hour (or five minutes every half hour). Running the engine for only short periods reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and conserves fuel.

Use the heater while the engine is running. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and slightly open a downwind window for ventilation.

Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running to draw attention to the vehicle.

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Associate Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.