Wow, the cold weather has been hanging around longer than usual, and people all over the Southeast are having to deal with it - even in areas that don't usually have this extreme cold.  A few reminders to ensure your safety and protection of your animals and plants:

• Dress in layered clothing, and reduce the amount of heat you lose through radiation by covering all exposed areas of your body - head, hands, neck, and face; 
• Keep pets inside if possible; when necessary to walk them, do so on the grass, not the cold sidewalk;
• Protect livestock and other animals with adequate shelter, extra feed and supplemental heat;
• Bring potted plants inside; though the top part of plants can go dormant, the roots can't - and containers expose the roots to ambient temperatures;
• Cover outdoor plants with burlap or cloth; cold will penetrate plastic;
• Check space heaters for sufficient ventilation and wire condition;
• Don't leave space heaters unattended, especially while sleeping;
• Only use combustion heaters, such as kerosene, in areas with good ventilation as these heaters release deadly carbon moxide;
• Never place space heaters close to flammable objects, such as drapes or bedding;
• Make sure fireplace flues are working properly;
• Check extension cords for breaks or fraying;
• Do not use charcoal or gas grills indoors; they produce deadly carbon monoxide fumes.
• Check on the elderly and infirmed to ensure they have plenty of food, water, and sufficient safe heating.