The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Monday. The area under the watch is Lincoln County, as well as Copiah, Simpson, Jefferson, Adams, and Franklin counties. A mix of freezing rain and sleet is possible, with total ice accumulations of up to one tenth of an inch possible in addition to light sleet accumulation. From Monday through Monday night, plan on the possibility of hazardous travel conditions and the potential for power outages. The City of Brookhaven shared the following tips and information.

𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗭𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗦 are anticipated in our area. Taking the precautionary tips listed below will help prevent frozen pipes and enable you to be better prepared for possible power outages.

𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥 to check on your neighbors and the elderly, keep pets safe, and protect plants during inclement weather.

𝗜𝗙 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗚, be sure to take blankets, warm clothes, food, water, charged cell phones, and flashlights in case of an emergency.

𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗬 𝗡𝗨𝗠𝗕𝗘𝗥𝗦 to call if a municipal resident’s water pipes burst:
▪️M-F; 8:00am-5:00pm; Brookhaven Water Department/601-833-7721
▪️After hours; City Hotline/601-835-8025 or Brookhaven Police Department/601-833-2424

𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗬 𝗪𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗘 and safe. Follow Brookhaven Lincoln County MS Emergency Management for local weather updates.

𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗥𝗬 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗜𝗣𝗦
▪️Seal windows, doors and cracks that can allow cold air to reach indoors.
▪️Seal around pipe openings to prevent cold airflow.
▪️The best minimum indoor temperature is 55 and 60°F to prevent frozen pipes.
▪️Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to give indoor pipes access to warmer air.
▪️Allow inside faucets to drip. Keep water moving with a low trickle.
▪️Wrap and insulate exposed pipes and outside faucets.
▪️If your home has a crawl space, cover the outside vents to help prevent freezing pipes.
▪️Know the location of the shut-off valves for indoor and outdoor water supplies.
▪️Turn off all outdoor sprinkler or irrigation systems and drain the lines.
▪️Remove, drain and store outdoor hoses.
▪️Close inside valves, or bibs, that control the water supply to outside hose attachment.
▪️Open outside hose bibs to allow any water in the line to drain out. Keep this outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without breaking pipes.
▪️Be careful turning water back on. Once pipes are thawed, slowly turn the water back on and check pipes and joints for any cracks and leaks.
▪️Ensure lines are working properly for gas log heaters.
▪️Fill vehicles with fuel.
▪️Keep extra fuel on hand for generators.
▪️Inspect and test emergency generators.
▪️Keep cell phones charged.
▪️Have batteries for flashlights, radios and medical equipment.
▪️Have non-perishable food items and bottled water on hand.
▪️Ensure you have all necessary medications.