The bitter cold of December came as a frigid shock to some Calgarians and most are bundling up to get through the first real round of winter.

The cool down started late Sunday night after the final weekend of warmer temperatures and the cold weather will stay around for the next few days.

To make matters worse, Monday’s high of -13 is expected to be the warmest it will be all week.

The Alberta Motor Association says that it pays to prepare yourself before your head out onto the road in the winter.

Drivers should take some time to check their tires, battery, brakes, heater, defroster as well as a number of other parts of their vehicle.

Making sure your gas tank is topped up helps too, says the AMA. When your vehicle is over halfway full, it adds some extra weight that helps stabilize your car and keeps your gas line from freezing.

The extra fuel in your car will also help if you find yourself stranded in the cold.

As for driving, experts say that you should always drive to the conditions and that posted speed limits are only for ideal conditions and not for when there is snow or ice on the pavement.

If you do get stranded, the AMA says that your vehicle is the safest place to be.

You should never leave your car unless you know there is shelter nearby.

To keep warm, you should dress in several layers and make sure that your head is covered.

The AMA also says that an emergency kit is essential in winter driving conditions.

Road kits should include:

  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Blanket
  • Road map and compass
  • Extra clothes and footwear
  • Paper towels or rags
  • Sand, road salt or non-clumpy kitty litter
  • Ice scraper and snow brush
  • Candle in a deep tin
  • Waterproof matches
  • Shovel
  • Booster cables
  • Flashlight with spare batteries
  • Water and snack food

Alberta Health Services is also sharing some winter weather tips, saying that paramedics are called to a handful of incidents whenever the temperatures drop to -30 degrees.

The best advice that AHS has to offer is to stay inside whenever you can and, if you have to go outside, limit yourself.

For children heading out to play, parents should make sure they’re dressed in windproof and waterproof top layers

Hats are essential items and mittens are always warmer than gloves for children.

Once the temperatures or wind chills hit -27 degrees or during extreme weather conditions, children should be kept inside.