As colder-than-normal weather is expected this week, Emergency Management Director Bobby Arledge has a few tips to keep you and your family safe.

Here’s what Arledge had to say:

“With the weather being the coldest we have seen in many years, I just wanted to send out a brief message advising everyone to be extremely careful this weekend. Winds gusting to 50MPH are possible in our area. This will potentially bring down trees and power lines. Also remember that power companies cannot safely work in bucket trucks if the wind speed is above 30 MPH, so there could be some prolonged outages.

Everyone needs to be prepared to stay warm if the power does go out. Remember to be very cautious with kerosene heaters and other alternative heat sources. Do not run generators in garages or where they can vent into the home. Make sure you have plenty of extra blankets and food that does not have to be cooked.”

Here’s some more information to help keep you and your family safe and warm during this holiday season.