Dangerously cold temps and wintry mix are headed for Jefferson Davis County in the next few days.

According to the National Weather Service in Jackson, the county is under an elevated threat for wintry mix Monday and Monday night. Roads will become hazardous and freezing rain and sleet are likely.

The county is also under a significant threat for dangerously low temperatures through Wednesday with lows expected to be in the teens and the high not reaching above freezing. Wind chills as low as zero are possible. Frostbite/hypothermia is likely with prolonged exposure.

Pets should be brought inside during these dangerous temperatures.

Damage to exposed pipes is possible. Pipes that freeze most frequently are pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines and water sprinkler lines; water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages or kitchen cabinets and pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation.

How to prevent frozen pipes:

• Check sprinkler or irrigation systems; make sure everything is turned off and drained.
• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes – even ¼” of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.

Governor Tate Reeves issued a State of Emergency Sunday in anticipation of the winter weather. “The state of Mississippi is proactively taking steps to prepare for freezing temperatures and severe winter weather,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “By declaring this State of Emergency, we can mobilize state assets, and better support response and recovery efforts. All Mississippians in the impacted areas are encouraged to take precautions over the next few days. Prepare your homes now for below-freezing temperatures, bring pets inside, and check in with your loved ones who are most susceptible during this frigid weather.”  This State of Emergency allows the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency to move assets throughout the state to support local governments in preparation for, response to, and recovery from the impending weather.