Friday’s blast of cold air might not have been the season’s first, but it is the first one of the season to come with any prediction of snow.

And, in the South, any mention of snow brings about a level of panic often made fun of by those who live anywhere north of the Mason-Dixon Line. But, in the South, winter weather is just something we are not built to handle.

There are very few of those who have been raised in Mississippi who own a set of tire chains or are that experienced in driving in snow and ice conditions.

Our highway departments do not routinely stockpile road salt and sand to keep roads passable in wintery weather.

Also, our homes are not normally prepared for such weather.

This week, Entergy provided a list of tips that could better protect your home — and your power bill — from the negative effects of cold weather.

— Set the thermostat at 68 degrees in winter.

According to Entergy, heating can account for as much as 55 percent of your monthly electric bill, and every degree above 68 on the thermostat can increase your bill by about 3 percent.

—Seal leaks around doors and windows to keep cold air out and warm air in.

—Open window coverings to let warm sunlight in during the day. Close them at night to reduce heat loss.

—Schedule a heating system checkup with a licensed professional to ensure yours is running efficiently.

—Do not block heat registers or air returns.

—Check air and furnace filters every 30 days or as required by the type of filter. Clean or replace them as needed.

—Conserve hot water. Wrap your water heater with a water heater blanket and set the thermostat to 120 degrees or medium.

This snap of cold weather will come and go, but it is important that the effects of such weather do not have a lasting impact on your health, or the health of your pocketbook.