RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are urging community members to take precautions and prepare as a winter storm approaches Central Virginia this weekend. Our StormTracker8 team is forecasting that the snow, beginning on Saturday, Jan. 24, will become sleet and fr eezing rain in the early morning hours of Sunday, Jan. 25. This freezing rain will quickly freeze into ice. RELATED: Winter storm coming to Central Virginia, widespread power outages expected “We have all experienced how disruptive winter weather can be to our daily lives,” said RHHD Director Elaine Perry. “Take time now to make sure your home, family, friends, and neighbors are ready for this winter storm. Prepare for the storm by organizing your emergency kits and medicines, insulating your home, and staying up to date on weather reports. During the storm, stay indoors as much as possible, ventilate emergency heat sources and check on friends and family. Let’s take care of ourselves and each other as winter weather affects our communities.” RHHD is urging residents to protect their families and pets during this winter storm by following the steps below. RELATED: Is it safe to drive this weekend? AAA says to stay home if you can Before the storm Make sure you have an emergency supply kit on hand and keep an emergency kit for your car.  Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, home-use medical devices, and vitamins. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how you can create an emergency supply of medicines.  Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.   Replenish fuel for your car and heating sources.  Weatherproof your home by insulating exposed pipes and caulking and weather strip doors/windows.  Make sure you understand the warnings, watches and advisories and have multiple ways to receive alerts.  Write down the contact information and directions to your local Inclement Weather Shelter or warming center. Call 804-646-3111 or email [email protected] for more information. City of Richmond Inclement Weather Shelter (IWS)1900 Chamberlayne Parkway Richmond, VA, 23222 Open 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. The shelter may remain open after 8 a.m. when temperatures are less than or equal to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or when more than one inch of freezing rain or snow has fallen in 24-hours.   Richmond Public Library branches serve as warming spaces during normal operating hours.  Henrico County libraries and recreation centers are open to the public during normal operating hours.  During/after the storm Bring your pets indoors and ensure they have water.  Stay indoors and limit your exposure to the cold.  Properly ventilate emergency heat sources.  Keep generators outside at least 20 feet from your home.  Check on neighbors and family.  RHHD encourages residents that if they must go outside, they should take the following precautions to stay safe and prevent frostbite and hypothermia: Wear proper footwear for traction. Take slow, short steps. Dress warmly and in layers. Make sure you cover your head, fingers and toes. Avoid getting wet and change out of wet clothes as soon as possible. Stay hydrated. Drink warm beverages. Take frequent breaks if shoveling snow or working outdoors. Stay off the roads. If you must travel, check the road conditions and your route first. Allow extra time and follow these tips from the Virginia Department of Transportation. For more information, visit RHHD’s website. ...read more read less