Another Natchez family lost their house and all of their possessions on Monday, the result of a house fire. Thankfully, all members of the family escaped the blaze without injury.

Apparently, the fire was started when a blanket ignited after being left too close to an electric heater.

The Miss-Lou and most of the country is bracing itself for a blast of frigid air set to arrive today. Forecasters say the low temperature tonight will be near 19 degrees. Lows for Thursday and Friday are expected to be below freezing.

Please prepare yourself and your family now to stay warm safely through this cold spell.

Use space heaters responsibly and take extra care to make certain they are used in well-ventilated areas and well away from anything that could ignite.

Make certain any fire in a fireplace is out before your family goes to bed.

Never use your stove to heat your house.

Above all make sure your house is equipped with smoke detectors and that existing detectors have their batteries changed at least annually.

If you and your family cannot get warm enough in your house during cold weather due to a lack of heat or some kind of structural problem, please make plans now to stay elsewhere. Reach out to family and friends to see if they have room to help keep your family warm for a day or so.

Please remember to keep your pets warm and safe from the effects of freezing temperatures. Pets left outside without adequate warm shelter simply will not survive. Please bring them inside.

A little planning now will make the next several nights much more pleasant — and safe — for you and your family and pets.