Greg Foxx is a fourteen-year veteran of private security who began his career after spending twenty years in the U.S. Army. Foxx, is also a native of Cleveland Ohio where winters are cold, summers hot and weather unpredictable at any time of the year.

Winters can often bring heavy lake effect snow that can quickly accumulate into feet, not inches and Arctic air can flow down from Canada like water gushing from a busted water pipe at three in the morning.

And winter this year has not disappointed nor surprised Clevelanders.

With wind chills reaching below minus-10, accumulating snow and gusty winds visiting often ,  Foxx layers up, carries two thermoses of coffee and packs a few extra hot packs and always carries an emergency kit just in case his car breaks down.

Cory Harstad, owner of Haven Protection in Des Moines Iowa said winter this year got off to a bit of a slow start but then all of a sudden just before Christmas temperatures plummeted and the snow began to blow in.

Cory said the employees of Haven Protection, known for its high visibility security patrols, campus security and special events services has to be prepared to work out in all sorts of weather ranging from 90 degrees in the summers to the minus 20 degrees that can hang around the corn state for weeks.

Our officers layer up, including hats and gloves during these extremely cold days because we have no choice but to be outside conducting foot patrols, directing traffic and checking the security and safety of our client’s and their property, Harstad said.

Jeff Parker who operates a traffic control and private security service in northern Washington and Alaska said they’re always concerned about frost-bite, wind burns and employees core temperatures dropping while working outside in the type of weather that much of the US has seen for the past few weeks.

First responders including security officers have to dress for the job, warm up inside a car or building as often as possible and always remember that if you’re doing a job where you’re sweating in these temperatures, it can pose a serious threat and you need to get inside, remove some layers and warm up, Parker said.

1.      Wear an under-layer. …

2.      Wear a waterproof outer layer. …

3.      Wear a heat-retaining layer. …

4.      Protect your extremities. …

5.      Protect yourself from the elements. …

6.      Bring warming materials. …

7.      Wear clothing that is the right size. …

8.      Move around to create heat.

It might seem obvious, but piling on a few extra layers is a great way to stay warm, especially if you have to be outside. Keeping your core warm is especially important when temperatures dip below freezing, so try wearing an extra shirt or two under your coat.

Worried about looking bulky? Many sporting goods companies make cold-weather gear that is slim enough to be worn even under work clothes.

You already know that eating healthfully in the winter is important to fend off colds and the flu, but did you know it might help keep you warm, too? Eating extra healthy fats during the winter can help rev up metabolism, which in turn heats the body, according to Columbia Health.

If your New Year’s resolution was to drop a few pounds, don’t worry — you can always skip the extra fat and try eating warmer foods and drinks. Try soups, spicy foods, hot coffee and teas to fend off the chill!

Although alcoholic beverages might make you feel warm, they actually decrease your core temperature and can be dangerous during winter months.

According to The New York Times and a study by Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, alcohol reverses some reflexes that control body temperature, especially the body’s ability to shiver. Alcohol can also make you sweat, even when it is cold, which can lower core temperatures even more.

Hypothermia is most likely to begin in extremities like your hands and feet, so keeping your toes warm is important. Whether you’re working outside or just walking to work or just around the block, make sure to wear sturdy, insulated shoes that will help prevent slips on slick surfaces and keep your feet dry.

If you’re walking in the snow during the day, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare.

If you are walking at night, make sure to dress in colors other than white and to wear something reflective on your person to alert drivers to your presence.

Avoid walking too close to roadways, especially near icy areas where drivers may lose control of their vehicle.

Check the CDC’s car emergency checklist to ensure you are prepared in case you have a roadside emergency during inclement weather.

Familiarize yourself with government terms for winter weather emergencies:

Freezing Rain – Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees and power lines.

Sleet – Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.

Winter Weather Advisory – Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening.

Winter Storm Watch – A winter storm is possible in your area. Tune in to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for more information.

Winter Storm Warning – A winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area.

Blizzard Warning – Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.

Frost/Freeze Warning – Below freezing temperatures are expected.

Now that you know the terms, check NBC Washington’s weather alert page for the latest on weather alerts in your area.

Online snow plow trackers make it easy to check when roads in your area are clear and safe to drive after snowfall.

Although the trackers are not live, they do update frequently. Find them here.

Have a weather channel app on your phone and check the weather before you hit the roads.