As a potentially record-breaking snowstorm makes its way toward the state, AAA Colorado is recommending residents prepare for the storm ahead of time to keep safe.

Snow is expected to begin falling Friday and hit hard Saturday and Sunday, with forecasts predicting 1 to 3 feet of snow in and around the Denver region. Even more snow is expected in the foothills and east of the Continental Divide.

“Colorado is no stranger to severe winter weather,” said Skyler McKinley with AAA Colorado. “We’ll get through this the way we always do, with a little preparation and a lot of common sense.”

McKinley said now is the time for residents to begin preparing their homes and vehicles for the storm.

The biggest thing Coloradans can do to stay safe this weekend is to stay home, he said. AAA Colorado is recommending all residents avoid non-essential driving and travel.

According to AAA, hazardous weather is a factor in 500,000 crashes and over 2,000 road deaths every winter. This weekend’s predicted snowfall, high winds and low visibility could make conditions especially hazardous.

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However, those staying home still need to take proper precautions. AAA suggests stocking up on essentials like food, water and toiletries before the storm begins Friday night.

Residents should make sure they have food that can be prepared without power and have emergency supplies including cell phone chargers, candles, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kid and blankets.

AAA also recommends winterizing homes by trimming tree branches over roofs or cars that could cause damage during high winds. Residents should use caulk for drafts in windows and doors and a window insulation kit to keep cold air out.

To avoid cracked and frozen pipes, AAA suggests keeping thermostats at 58 degrees or higher, wrapping exposed pipes with insulation, leaving cabinets open under kitchen and bathroom sinks and allowing faucets to drip over night.

Any power outages should be reported as soon as possible. Xcel Energy customers can report power outages on the Xcel Energy mobile app, at xcelenergy.com/out or by texting “OUT” to 98936.

For those who have to drive this weekend, there are many steps that should be taken before hitting the road.

AAA urges drivers to budget for extra time on all commutes, replace old windshield wiper blades, check tire pressure and tread, keep gas tanks at least half full in case of emergencies and pack an emergency kit for the car.

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Emergency kits should contain food, water, blankets, a first aid kit, a flashlight, batteries, a phone charger, a shovel, an ice scraper, booster cables, tire chains, flares or other warning devices and abrasive material like sand or kitty litter.

Before driving, drivers should completely clear their vehicle of all snow and ice to allow for visibility and avoid snow flying onto other vehicles while driving.

When driving, AAA recommends gently accelerating to retain traction, driving slowly, allowing for ample stopping distance, driving in lanes most recently cleared, avoid changing lanes and staying off of phones.

Shaded spots, bridges, overpasses and intersections are more likely to have ice so those areas should be passed with extreme caution and at slower speeds.

If a vehicle is skidding, the driver should steer in the direction they want the front of the vehicle to go and avoid slamming on the breaks. To avoid crashes, turning away is more effective than stopping in snowy and icy conditions.

If something does happen, AAA customers can request emergency roadside assistance at AAA.com/service, via the AAA mobile app or at 1-800-AAA-HELP.

AAA Colorado will be fully staffed this weekend. High call volume is expected which, in addition to treacherous conditions and road closures, will likely increase response times.