Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

As we write this on Monday afternoon, it is already cold and rainy outside, in the 40s. There are rumors that parts of north Georgia might see flurries tonight, and here in LaGrange, there’s winds of about 15 miles per hour.

Winter isn’t officially here, but it feels like it is this week.

The first three nights of this week are expected to see temperatures below freezing, in the mid to high 20s.

It’s important to be aware of the weather to protect yourself and your home.

First of all, turn on your heat if you haven’t already. Blankets and a space heater might not be enough this week.

Be mindful of your pipes, as they can freeze and burst. Leave faucets dripping to keep water flowing. Open your cabinet doors open under the sink to allow warm air in.

If you have faucets outside, insulate them with Styrofoam, rags or paper. Remove garden hoses and wrap exposed outdoor pipes.

Make sure any pipes in attics or crawl spaces are properly insulated. Exterior pipes should be drained or enclosed.