This morning’s unseasonably frigid temperatures are here to stay through the weekend, forecasters say.

If you did not work to protect your tender vegetation from our overnight freeze, it may be too late to save them.

However, your pets will need you to protect them from these near record low temperatures.

Bring pets inside, or make certain to provide them with warm shelter. Pets who will be outside in the cold would benefit from extra food, which helps them keep warm. And always make certain outside pets have access to drinking water.

Be extra careful when starting your vehicle engine in the morning. Outside cats often will climb under the hood of a vehicle or into the wheel well of a car seeking warmth and shelter. A quick knock on your car’s hood should scare them away before starting your engine.

Cold weather may prompt you to add antifreeze to your vehicle. Always wipe up spills and keep it stored out of reach of children. Antifreeze has a sweet taste and may attract small animals and children, but it is a deadly poison.

If you haven’t used your fireplace yet this season, now may not be the right time to start. It’s best to have it inspected and cleaned before the first fire of the season.

Be cautious when using space heaters, which are responsible for many house fires at the beginning of each winter season. Avoid open flame heaters, such as kerosene heaters, indoors if at all possible.

Taking time today to make plans for keeping your pets and family members warm and safe will make for an enjoyable winter season for all.