Local temperatures are expected to dip below freezing in the coming days as a cold front makes it way across the state.
According to the National Weather Service forecast, temperatures will be around 57 today, with west winds between 10 and 15 mph, but expect gusts as high as 20 mph.
Temperatures will dip to 35 with winds between 5 and 10 mph.
On Wednesday, the high will be near 59 and the wins will continue at 5 and 10 mph.
Wednesday temperatures are expected to drop to 28.
Thursday will be sunny and the high will increase to 63 and the winds are expected to die down.
Low will be around 31 on Thursday night.
Friday’s high will be 64 with a low of 33.
Saturday will be sunny with a high near 66 and low of 38.
When winter temperatures drop below normal, staying warm and safe can become a challenge.
Residents are reminded to take precautions to protect life and property during the winter weather, including checking on the elderly, taking care of pets and livestock, protecting plants and exposed plumbing.
The following are some tips to follow when preparing for the freezing temperatures.
• Protect people. Keep warm and stay inside if possible. If one must go out, dress in layers, wear hats, gloves and an appropriate coat.
• Observe heater safety. Never place a space heather on top of furniture or near water. Keep heat sources at least 3 feet from furniture and drapes. Never leave children unattended near a space heater.
• Protect pets. Bring pets inside, and move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas. Keep adequate food and water available.
• Protect pipes. Disconnect outdoor hoses, drain and store in protected place. Wrap exposed faucets and pipes – including those outside the house or in unheated crawl spaces, attics, garages and other areas.
• Protect plants. Bring potted plants inside or store in garage near interior wall to provide extra warmth and protection from wind.
• For cold-sensitive outdoor plants, put down extra mulch and consider covering with a cloth fabric of some kind to shield the plants from wind and frost.
• Protect from carbon monoxide poisoning. Install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector and never use generators, grills, camp stoves or similar devices indoors.
• Prepare vehicles. It is recommended that cars be serviced and antifreeze added as needed.
A new industry will locate in the Andalusia Industrial Park in the first quarter of 2012, employing a minimum of 50 people in a year, Mayor Earl Johnson announced in a speech to the Andalusia Rotary Club Thursday.
GreenSteel Homes, LLC, will locate in a previously unoccupied spec building in the park. The company builds architecturally-designed “green” steel homes with a completely wood-free recycled structure.
The homes are built to withstand hurricane and tornado-force winds up to 200 mph, and are engineered to withstand up to Zone 4 earthquakes.
Johnson said the city has 30 days to put together the contract and lease, and 60 days after that to get the property turned over to them.
“That should put it at about March 1,” he said.
Johnson said training will be provided for employees through the state by AIDT. Wages will average $15 per hour. The company will employ not less than 50 employees in the first year, and not less than 75 employees in their second year.
The mayor said the company looked at several communities before choosing to locate here.
“They told us there were other communities that had just as much to offer, but that they didn’t seem to have the spirit that they sensed here,” he said.
GreenSteel Homes estimates that 32 trees are saved and four recycled cars are used in one of its 1,200 square foot homes. The company offers plans ranging from 600 square feet to 2,500 square feet.
As part of its fundraising efforts for the 2012 Covington County campaign, PowerSouth’s Relay For Life team is sponsoring its first ever 5K Resolution Run/Walk on Sat., Jan. 7, 2012.
The race will start and finish at Andalusia City Hall. The road course will travel through several Andalusia neighborhoods surrounding Andalusia High School. Participants should be at the starting line at 8:45 a.m. for a 9 a.m. start.
“I think participants will be very pleased with the route selected for the race,” said Micheal Davis, PowerSouth employee and Resolution Race Chairman. “There are a few moderately steep hills along the course, but runners and walkers of all skill levels are welcome.”
Pre-registrations for the first ever Resolution Race/Walk will be accepted through Dec. 14. Registration forms are online at www.active.com and www.runningintheusa.com. Entry fees are $25 for participants 13 years or older and $20 for participants 12 and younger.
Race-day registrations will be accepted from 7:30 to 8:30 at Andalusia City Hall.
The race will be conducted rain or shine.
Participants have to pre-register by Dec. 14 to be assured a long-sleeve t-shirt. The overall male and female first place finishers will be awarded $50 prizes. Medals will go to the first place male and female in each age division.
For more information, contact Davis at (334) 427-3422.
Residents from around Andalusia will have the opportunity to gather together for two annual community Thanksgiving services tonight.
In Andalusia, this year’s event, sponsored by the Greater Andalusia Ministerial Association, will be held at First Baptist Church, with FBC pastor, Dr. Fred Karthaus, bringing the message.
Karthaus said choir members from all church are invited to sing in the area Thanksgiving choir, which will be led by FBC music minister Dwight Crigger.
In Babbie, a service will be held at Babbie Baptist Church at 7 p.m.
Residents from around Andalusia will have the opportunity to gather together for the annual community Thanksgiving service this Tuesday.
This year’s event, sponsored by the Greater Andalusia Ministerial Association, will be held at First Baptist Church, with FBC pastor, Dr. Fred Karthaus, bringing the message.
“Historically, Thanksgiving has been a holiday we have celebrated since the beginning of our nation,” he said. “The Pilgrims and Indians gathered together to give thanks for the harvest. And in the same sense, we, as Christians, gather together and give thanks for our blessings.”
Karthaus said choir members from all church are invited to sing in the area Thanksgiving choir, which will be led by FBC music minister Dwight Crigger.
Those interested in participating are asked to come for a small rehearsal at 6 p.m., before the 7 p.m. service.
Each year the service is held at a different host church and is held on Tuesday so it does not conflict with the schedules of area churches.
“This offers everyone the opportunity to join together in grateful praise to God,” Karthaus said. “We’d love for everyone to come.”