It looks like Mother Nature is expected to make her  presence felt mid-week in Jackson Parish in the form of winter weather. As result local residents are encouraged to start taking precautions to protect themselves, pets and plants from possible problems that can arise. 

According to many reports and forecast models a winter weather system is expected to move across the nation this week impacting that will begin to impact north Louisiana late Wednesday evening or early that Thursday morning. 

Precautions you can take to stay safe in winter weather:

Dress warmly: Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, including a hat, gloves, and scarf. Mittens are better than gloves because they are warmer and snug at the wrist. Wool clothing is warmer than cotton when wet.
Protect your lungs: Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from the cold.
Avoid overexertion: Slow down when doing outdoor tasks like shoveling snow or pushing a car. Take frequent breaks to avoid overexertion. If you feel chest pain, stop and seek help immediately.
Stay off roads: If at all possible, stay off roads. If you are trapped in your car, stay inside.
Protect your pipes: Insulate exposed outdoor fixtures and keep your water hoses drained and stored in a garage or shed. You can also keep your cabinets open to allow heated air to circulate the pipes.
Keep pets warm: Help your pets stay warm by keeping them indoors.
Check on neighbors: Make sure your elderly family and neighbors have enough heat and food. Tell them to avoid shoveling, especially if they have a heart condition.