All eyes are on the weather as we enter the weekend and forecasters are saying we may see the coldest temperatures of the season. It all starts today as highs are forecast in the mid-forties for highs and mid-thirties for lows.

The big winter event is forecast to come on Monday. They are calling for windy conditions and rain, sleet, and freezing rain with a high reaching only to 36. Monday night it is going to get real, quick. The low is forecast for 20 degrees with snow, freezing rain, and sleet.

Get out your gumbo pots, boys and girls. But seriously, this weather is something you definitely want to be prepared for, and you should start this weekend.

The Louisiana State Fire Marshal has given us some great tips to pass along to you so you can stay safe while still staying warm over the weekend and into the rough stuff coming Monday and Tuesday.

Ashley Rodrigue, Public Affairs Director for the  Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office, passed tips these along to us.

  • Place space heaters 3-5 feet from combustible objects like blankets
  • Plug all heating appliances directly into wall outlets, not power strips or extension cords
  • Do not use stoves or ovens to heat homes
  • Don’t overfill fireplaces/wood burning stoves
  • Do not leave candles/open flames (or space heaters) left unattended
  • Have working smoke alarms in your home

They also passed along some great information about people in their homes to watch out for carbon monoxide, so they advised to check for clogged exhaust pipes for dryers, furnaces, stoves, water heaters, and fireplaces.

Plus, it is a great idea not to sit in your vehicle for heat while it's running in an enclosed garage, even if the garage door is open. If you are still using a portable generator, make sure you don't use it in an enclosed space or near a window, door, or vent.

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