Morgan County EMA director Eddie Hicks recommended that people stay inside if possible.

“So far, we have not had anybody come forward offering a ‘warm room’ for people exposed to the cold,” he stated Tuesday morning. “But that’s something that would become necessary should the area lose power.”

“One of the things we are doing today is making sanitizer available at the entrances and exits to the Morgan County Courthouse,” he pointed out. “We are asking people to use the sanitizer when they enter and leave the building, lowering their chances of spreading or being exposed to one of the flu viruses now prevalent in our area.”

Hartselle Mayor Don Hall said Sparkman Civic Center would be available  as an emergency shelter in the event of a power outage.

“I talked with Public Works Superintendent Daxton Maze on Monday (his first day on the job),” he said, “and reminded him to have our sand-spreading trucks ready to go in the event of a snow or ice event.”

Greg George of George Plumbing, LLC recommended home and business owners to take extra precautions to protect plumbing fixtures.

“The big thing is to protect outdoor hydrants if they’re not frost free,” he pointed out. “This can be done by wrapping them with a towel or an old coat.

“You can also help protect plumbing fixtures on outside walls by leaving the hot water spigot dripping and opening counter doors,” he added. “You should also check foundation vents and make sure they’re closed, and protect plumbing in unheated areas with a temporary heat source.”

Tankersley Service Center owner Ken Tankersley said coolant in motor vehicles that receive regular service checkups is capable of withstanding temperatures well below zero.

“However, if you’re in doubt, by all means have the coolant checked,” he added.