The first potential winter weather event predicted for Cullman County might be an underwhelming one, but local officials still advise taking even minor weather forecasts seriously.

The National Weather Service is calling for a 20% chance of showers mixed with snow after 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29, with low temperatures dipping just below freezing. With highs between the mid to upper 40s, both Thursday and Saturday, elevating ground temperatures however, the chances of accumulation are slim to none.

That isn’t to say local officials aren’t continuing to exercise caution as weather settles into colder temperatures for the season.

“I would take every advisory as a serious advisory,” said Cullman County EMA Director Tim Sartin. “You can’t ever tell. It might not look like it’s doing anything, but a half-mile down the road from your house the whole road may be black ice and you can’t see it,” he said.

Sartin also advised maintaining a minimum 72-hour food supply at all times in the event of an emergency situation.

One area which Sartin said is of particular importance to adopt safe practices is that of internal heat sources such as fireplaces, radiators, space heaters and candles.

He said space heaters should be plugged directly into an outlet after the cord has been inspected for damage and fraying. Ovens, he said, should never be used to heat a home and all heating equipment and chimneys should be cleaned and inspected by a professional.

“Space heaters, kerosene heaters and everything should be well ventilated and you don’t want to put them right next to a bed or anything that is going to catch fire,” Sartin said.