LAS CRUCES - It was a quieter day than usual at Albertson's, and Gloria Perralta took advantage of it Wednesday.

The crowds weren't as large, as one of strongest winter storms in Las Cruces' history blew into the city, bringing snow, wind and low - very low - temperatures. With two to four inches of snow falling overnight Wednesday, Perralta wasn't sure she was going to be able to get to the supermarket, but she really needed to make the trip.

"We were starting to run low on most of the basics," said Perralta, referring to bread, milk, coffee, soup and some of the other food staples she stocked up on. "Thank God the snow let up enough that I could come to the store. I was worried (Wednesday) morning that I wasn't going to be able to make it. But I'm here and going to stock up like I probably should have a couple of days ago."

But the rush to stock up didn't materialize Wednesday. Even at Walmart Supercenter, on Walton Boulevard, it wasn't as busy as it normally would have been Wednesday. There weren't any long lines and the grocery shelves had plenty of provisions.

"Gotta get all the fixings for green chile stew, that's what we eat when it gets cold like this," said Herman Diaz, a Las Cruces carpenter, who got an unexpected day off of work from the massive snow day on Wednesday. "I thought there would be more people in here, but I guess the weather has kept them at home. If I hadn't had to go out to get this stuff, I'd have probably stayed home, too."

In preparing

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for the storm - which stretches all the way from New Mexico to Maine - officials have stressed the "Three Ps," pets, plants and pipes. But Beverly Allen, spokeswoman for the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security, said there's an important fourth P that warrants consideration - people.

"Be sure to check on your neighbors, the elderly and shut-ins," Allen said. "Make sure they're taken care of, especially that they have enough heat."

There's so many things to take into consideration that it could help ease any worries you have about the weather, and getting through the next 36 to 48 hours.

In looking out for pets, rule No. 1 is to bring them inside, especially at night when the temperatures will drop to record lows.

Cats can freeze easily in extreme cold and become disoriented and lost. They also have a tendency to crawl under the hood of a car when the engine is warm, so before starting your vehicle, bang loudly on the hood to avoid injury to a wandering cat.

Dogs should be kept on a leash when walking them on snow or ice, and never let them off leash during a rain or snow storm. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other time of year, so make sure your dog is tagged and or micro-chipped.

Lost animals can ingest salt, chemicals and deadly anti-freeze.

Thoroughly dry your pet's belly, feet and legs when you bring them in from the wet. Snow melt, if not removed, can cause bleeding in the paws.

If you have a short-haired breed, consider putting a sweater on it. Also, never leave your cat or dog alone in a cold car. This can act as a refrigerator by trapping the cold air and a pet could freeze to death.

Try to give your pet a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from drafts. A dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is recommended.

As for plants, get them out of the cold. If they've become so large they can't be moved indoors, wrap them to prevent the wind and cold from damaging them any further.

It's not a living, breathing thing, but usually just as important to you, and that's taking care of your vehicle during inclement weather.

As temperatures can get deadly frigid, vehicle owners are urged to check antifreeze levels, battery and ignition systems, brakes, exhaust system and all filters and to make sure the heater and defroster work. Owners should also ensure tires have adequate tread.

It's always going to be a good thing to have at least a half tank of gas. While you're at it, preparing a winter emergency kit with a shovel, windshield scraper, small broom, flashlight, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, water, snack food, matches, extra hat, gloves and socks and a blanket is a good idea, too.

Other items to consider putting in an emergency kit could also include a first aid kit, pocket knife, necessary medications, a tow chain or rope, road salt or sand, booster cables, emergency flares and a fluorescent flag. When traveling with children or people with special needs, make sure you pack adequate supplies for them.

More people travel with the family pet, so it's not a bad idea to have an ID tag and an extra collar, leash, and food and water for your pet. A pet carrier and favorite toy are recommended.

Other tips to keep in mind until the weather improves: If you must drive during severe winter weather, travel during the day and don't travel alone; and make sure you have extra cell phone batteries and keep others informed of your travel schedule. Stay on main roads and avoid any back-road shortcuts.

If you get trapped in a snowstorm, pull off the highway, turn your hazard lights on and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window. Remain in your vehicle where rescuers can find you. Run the engine and heater for 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, be sure you open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe.

Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold use road maps, seat covers and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket. Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews.

Drink fluids to avoid dehydration. Be careful not to waste your gas or battery power. Balance electrical energy needs with your supply. Turn on the inside light at night so work crews or rescuers can see you.

Before leaving always check the road conditions between your point of departure and your destination. Travelers can call the New Mexico Department of Transportation's Road Information hotline by dialing 511, or going to www.nmroads.com. If you're a fan of Twitter, updates can be found at www.twitter. com/nmdhsem.

Steve Ramirez can be reached at (575) 541-5452.

Winter weather terms

•Freezing rain: Rain that freezes, 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 that can freeze and become slippery.

•Winter storm watch: A winter storm is possible in your area. Tune into your local radio or television station or NOAA Weather Radio or go to www.noaa.gov for details.

•Blizzard warning: Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 mph 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.

•Wind chill advisory: Very cold air and strong winds combine to generate wind chills. This results in frostbite and leads to hypothermia if precautions are not taken. If you must venture outdoors, make sure you wear a hat and gloves.