With predicted ice threatening to make roads dangerous and possibly cut off power in Callaway County, many residents are hoping to simply hunker down for the weekend.
"The more we can prevent something bad happening, the better," Fulton Fire Chief Todd Farley said. "I'd rather see people take care of themselves and stay home."
Here's some advice on doing that and staying safe and warm in the process.
Stocking up
Parking lots at local grocery stores have been packed since Wednesday.
"People are stocking up," said Roger Moser, owner of Moser's grocery store. "They usually just go after all the staples - bread and milk, meat, soup."
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend choosing food that doesn't need refrigeration and can be easily prepared. Think dried potatoes and fruit, crackers, peanut butter and canned foods like soup and ready-to-eat tuna.
Preserve perishables in your refrigerator and freezer by opening the door only when you need to. You might want to buy some ice, and don't forget to pick up pet food, too.
"We usually run out of ice melt, but there's nothing we can do about that," Moser said. "People buy too much sometimes."
Sidewalks and driveways can be pretreated with ice melt just like the streets and roads.
Residents are advised to pick up any prescription medications that might run out, and first aid kits may need to be restocked. If a family member is reliant on an oxygen tank or any kind of electric-powered medical equipment, plans should be in place to keep it running.
Batteries are also a wise purchase, as well as a battery-powered radio and perhaps an external phone battery. If you have a generator, make sure it's functional and you have sufficient fuel.
You may also want to buy extra blankets.
Preparing
for the worst
Many long-time Callawegians still remember the ice storm of 2007, which knocked out power in the area for days.
"Electric cooperatives have been tracking the storm for several days," said Jim McCarty, vice president of communications for the Missouri Electric Cooperatives. "Those systems in harm's way have trucks loaded with material and all personnel on alert."
Local electric utilities have plans in place if the power goes out, but slick roads and downed trees can delay those efforts. Here's how to prep for a few days without power.
If your water supply is dependent on electricity - for example, if you have a well with an electric pump - fill the bathtub with water. You can use a bucket of water to flush the toilet.
Also, fill containers at the sink for drinking water or buy bottled water. The CDC recommends having a gallon of water per person per day on hand, and stocking up with at least three days' worth.
For a dog or cat, a gallon of water will last about three days.
Make sure to top off your gas tank, because gas station pumps might not work either.
If you own a generator or a wood-burning stove or fireplace, be sure to have plenty of fuel on hand.
Wrap exposed pipes in newspaper and trash bags to insulate them against freezing.
Make arrangements to check on your neighbors and family members, especially the elderly.
Staying warm
If the power goes out, plan on spending most of your time in one area of your house to avoid heat loss. Close doors to all other rooms to keep the heat in, and try not to go in and out of the house often.
Use towels around doors and windows to prevent drafts, and close your curtains.
Before the electricity goes out, crank up your heater. It'll take longer to get cold in the house if it's warmer to begin with.
Take care if using a generator, which can cause a deadly carbon monoxide buildup. Generators should be placed outside the house and extension cords used for power.
"Generators are never meant to be used inside the home," Farley said. "It will not take long to build up enough carbon dioxide to make you sick."
He said putting it in the garage isn't safe either.
Be aware small generators purchased at a home improvement store can't run an entire house. A single space heater may max out its capacity. Look at the wattage listed on the device's label and the generator to figure out if it's got enough juice.
Beware of open flames. If you're using candles, keep them away from anything flammable and keep an eye on them. If you're lighting any kind of fire, have a fire extinguisher at the ready.
Going out
"If folks could get their shopping done and everything Thursday and early Friday and just stay home for the weekend, that would help us," said Paul Winkelmann, Callaway County's road and bridge head.
However, sometimes venturing out in dangerous conditions is a necessity.
Dress warmly and make sure to have adequate boots and gloves. Stock the car with a blanket, some water, a flashlight and sand or cat litter for grip. Maybe buy a packet of chemical hand warmers - the sort you open and shake to activate - and keep them in the glove compartment. Make sure phones are fully charged.
And before going anywhere, make a plan. Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to be back.
"If you have to drive, pick the safest route possible," Fulton city engineer Kyle Bruemmer said. "It might not be your normal route."
If possible, avoid roads with sharp curves, big hills and drop-offs.
"Give yourself more time," Bruemmer said. "If it's anything like the last ice storm, you know how jammed up I-70, 63 and even parts of 54 were. Keep as far a distance as you can between cars, especially on hills and slippery intersections."
Patience is key: drive slowly, avoid stopping unnecessarily and don't brake and turn at the same time.
Watch for downed power lines and stay away from them. They may be concealed under ice or in fallen debris.
"Snow and ice will insulate a downed powerline and make it appear that it's not energized," Farley said.