BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) – With temperatures forecast to drop below freezing overnight, residents took action to combat the cold on Monday.

With the big chill setting in until midweek, both the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and Mississippi Power posted reminders on social media about the importance of protecting the “Four P’s” – people, pets, plants, and pipes.

The following tips are recommended to keep everyone safe and warm:

• Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially those with special needs and the elderly.
• Bring pets indoors. Remember, it’s a Mississippi law for pet owners to provide adequate shelter.
• Insulate or wrap exposed water pipes. Keep water dripping to avoid freezing.
• Cover any outdoor plants or bring them inside.

Pine Hills Nursery Manager Rachel Bond told WLOX that it’s not too late to bring plants inside.

“Yes, if you can bring the plant indoors, we do recommend that because you can control the environment and it is much warmer,” Bond said. “If it is something permanent that you can’t bring in, then we recommend covering it with a soft layer like a blanket or sheet and then plastic or tarp over that.”

“Then once temperatures are above freezing the next day you can go ahead and remove that,” she continued. “You don’t want to leave it covered for several days in a row. You want to uncover it and cover it again if you have to.”

The EMA also stressed the importance of preparing a “go-kit” for the vehicle, containing the following items:

• First Aid Kit
• Flashlight
• Battery Radio
• Jumper Cables
• Blanket
• Water & Non-perishable Food
• Playing Cards
• Extra Fuel
• Power Bank
• Ice Scraper

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Mississippi’s Republican Gov. Tate Reeves has set special elections to replace two members of the Mississippi House of Representatives who died in 2024.

On Friday, the governor’s office set special election dates for House districts 23 and 82. Reeves also set four other special elections in three Chancery court districts and one Circuit court district.

In House District 23, former Rep. Andy Stepp, R-Pontotoc, passed away on Dec. 5, 2024. He was a first-year lawmaker and a proponent to change laws surrounding pharmacy benefit managers.

Andy Stepp passes away: A first-year Mississippi House of Representative member has died. See what his colleagues say

Stepp’s seat will have a special election on March 25, and those wishing to run for his seat need to qualify by Feb. 3.

In House District 82, Rep. Charles Young Jr., D-Meridian, also passed in December. He was remembered as an advocate for changing the state flag in 2020, which previously featured a Confederate battle flag emblem.

Young passes away: Meridian, MS, House lawmaker dies Thursday. His colleagues reflect on his life, service

Young’s district will also have its special election on March 25 and those wanting to run will also need to qualify by Feb. 3.

To see other special elections this year, visit the governor’s office website.

Grant McLaughlin covers the Legislature and state government for the Clarion Ledger. He can be reached at gmclaughlin@gannett.com or 972-571-2335.