With freezing temperatures and the possibility of freezing precipitation headed Selma and Dallas County’s way, there is one thing people need to remember: Keep calm.

A lot of people panic when they hear the news of hazardous weather conditions, but the best thing for people to do is to stay calm.

The National Weather Service is forecasting an arctic high-pressure system to affect central Alabama the beginning of next week. The system will bring temperatures down into the 30s and possibly the teens if the storm shifts south. It is also bringing precipitation with it, which could turn into freezing rain or even a little bit of snow.

This isn’t the first time Selma and Dallas County has seen these kinds of conditions, and it won’t be the last time either.

Last year around this time this area went through some wintery weather much like this, so we should all use that experience as a good example.

The best thing we can all do is to be prepared. Make sure you have basic supplies like food and water, but don’t go overboard. We also need to stay aware and up-to-date on the recent forecasts. Watch the Weather Channel or go to the National Weather Service’s website. They will provide the latest forecasts and tell us what we can expect over the next few days.

The Dallas County Emergency Management Agency is also providing people in the area with updates on its Facebook page. They are monitoring the situation and preparing to handle the weather as it comes.

AAA Alabama is also helping to prepare people for the weather by giving safe travel tips for people that have to get out on the roads in icy conditions.

AAA reminds people to drive slow and err on the side of caution while driving in icy conditions.

If you are on the road make sure you are visible, don’t follow too closely, steer smoothly, stop sooner than normal and keep emergency items in your vehicle such as blankets, gloves, water, snacks, flashlights, a first aid kit and a cell phone.

AAA warns people against driving while fatigued and warming up your vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.

You should also make sure your tires are fully inflated before hitting the road.

While driving, AAA advises people to accelerate and decelerate slowly and to know whether you have antilock breaks or normal breaks. Icy roads can make a big difference in the distance needed to stop your vehicle.

These tips can help you if the conditions get bad enough where the roads start to ice over.

AAA also advises people to stay off of the road by staying home. The less vehicles there are on the road, the lesser the chance of an accident occurring.

And remember, always stay calm and don’t panic. We don’t want a small threat of winter weather to turn into “snowmageddon.”