Our first real taste of cool weather is forecast to continue through this weekend. Meteorologists from the National Weather Service predict a low of 35 for tonight in Vicksburg and Warren County. Saturday’s high is expected to be only 63 degrees.

That means many home heating systems will be turned on for the first time, and those who are particularly cold natured will pull out space heaters for some added warmth.

However, this time of year — our first cold snap — is typically when tragedy strikes for many who don’t take care when trying to raise the temperature a bit in their homes.

Mississippi State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney offered this advice this week on how to protect your family and your home while trying to stay warm this winter:

• Make certain all heating equipment is UL approved and cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional prior to being used each year.

• By all means, make sure to keep all clothes, drapes, and anything else combustible at least three feet away from all heating equipment, especially space heaters.

• Inspect your space heater’s power cord for damage, fraying or heat. If the cord inspection reveals any of these issues, the heater should be replaced.

• Never, ever use space heaters while you sleep, or in areas where children may be without adult supervision.

• Do not leave space heaters on when you are away from home.

• Please do not attempt to heat your home by using a stove or an oven. And kerosene is a poor choice for heating your home, as well, because it will give off poisonous fumes.

• Before you use your fireplace, make certain to clean your chimney flues and have it inspected by qualified personnel.

• Have a spark screen that is age appropriate for all individuals using any area to be heated by a fireplace.

• Should a fire break out in your home, have an emergency evacuation plan for the family to follow and have a designated meeting place for all family members. Remember, once everyone is outside the burning home, call 911 and do not re-enter the house under any circumstances.

Make plans today to stay warm — and safe — during cold weather this fall and winter.