Christmas has come and gone, but Old Man Winter will linger for the foreseeable future.

The National Weather Service in Jackson is calling for a Sunday low of 15 to 25 degrees, and temperatures may not rise above freezing again until Wednesday morning.

Weather that cold often produces dangerous wind chills, and Lincoln County Emergency Management Director Clifford Galey urges locals to implement safety measures until the freeze lightens.

“Wear some warm clothes, and stay bundled up,” he said.

As the arctic blast approaches, it’s a good idea to stay abreast of the local forecast. Weather conditions often shift, and the best way to prepare for a hard frost is to stay well informed.

“It’s going to be very cold, so your water might freeze,” Galey said.

The most effective way to protect your home’s outdoor pipes is to wrap any exposed faucets or conduits with an insulator, and run taps at a trickle to keep water circulating. Meanwhile, leave kitchen and bathroom cabinets ajar to facilitate the circulation of warm air around interior pipes.

“You also need to be very careful with your heaters and extension cords,” Galey advised.

When using a space heater, be sure it is placed on a hard, level surface, and keep flammable objects at least three feet away from all warming devices. Experts also discourage the use of kitchen stoves as heat sources, because they easily overheat.

Furthermore, never use heaters labeled for outdoor use inside your home, as they increase the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Southwest Mississippi rarely experiences the type of chill forecasters predict for the upcoming week. So, remain alert to any symptoms that might indicate the beginning stages of hypothermia or frostbite.

Call for immediate medical assistance if you suspect the weather is negatively affecting your health.

And take the time to check on your neighbors during the cold snap, especially if you suspect their home lacks an adequate source of heat.

Don’t forget that pets are particularly susceptible to cold weather. Be sure to provide any outdoor animals with proper shelter and warm bedding.

It is well advised to bring dogs and cats indoors after sunset, and all animals should have constant access to an unfrozen water source.

Lastly, Galey asks everyone to pay attention to changing weather conditions. If temperatures drop drastically or if sleet begins to fall, avoid unnecessary travel.

“Unless we get some kind of precipitation with the cold weather, road conditions shouldn’t be affected, too much,” he said.

NWS predicts a 50 percent chance of rain tonight between 9 p.m. and midnight and all day Sunday. New Year’s Day should be sunny, but cold.