The temperatures won’t be sustained, but Pike County residents will receive their first taste of the winter to come this week.

“These are the coolest temperatures of the season, so far,” said Pike County Emergency Management Agency Director Jeanna Barnes on Tuesday. “[Tonight] night we expect to be down to about 28 degrees and Thursday morning it will be about 27 degrees.”

According to the National Weather Service’s hazardous weather outlook, the freeze this week should bring an end to Alabama’s growing season and could possibly kill remaining crops and vegetation.

While low temperatures are expected to rise back up to the 50s by Friday, Barnes said now is a good time to put best winter practices into place. That includes taking care of people, pets, plants and pipes.

It’s important to check on elderly neighbors and family members to make sure their heat is working.

“And don’t forget about your furry family members,” Barnes said. “It’s going to be very cold, even for those with a fur coat.”

Taking care of animals and providing a warm spot should also include plans for horses and other livestock, Barnes said.

Pike County residents should also pay attention to exposed pipes and bring any plants possible indoors.

There are also fire hazards to consider as people prepare for the winter ahead, beginning with low temperatures this week.

“Clean out spaces surrounding any heater or fireplace and be sure to put measures into place to keep children away from any danger caused by heat sources in the home,” Barnes cautioned, noting that kerosene heaters should never be left running while residents are asleep.

Another thing to think about are seasonal decorations.

“I’ve already gotten some Christmas decorations up and those are highly flammable,” Barnes said.

“If you’ve already started decorating for the season, you want to make suer to keep those items clear of open flames and heat sources.”

“This will be very short lived,” Barnes noted, “but it’s a good time to go ahead and put all these measures into place now to prepare for the cold weather and winter ahead.”