Up until last week, locals have been spoiled by an unseasonably warm winter.

Well as the old adage goes, `all good things must come to an end' and last week Bermuda was walloped with high winds, and plummeting temperatures.

On January 15, the Island set a record for the month when the mercury dropped to 44.9 degrees, just shy of the all time record of 44 degrees.

The cold snap led to a record demand for electricity with Belco reporting demand reaching as high as 95 megawatts.

And the high winds which accompanied the frigid temperatures, sent branches crashing into power lines prompting outages around the Island -- particularly the Camp Hill Warwick area.

On Friday, the howling winds forced officials to cancel some of the Warwick/Paget ferries.

The inclement weather sent locals scrambling to the stores to purchase anything that could keep them warm.

Cash registers were ringing all week long as store shelves were emptied of hundreds of heaters, blankets, scarves and even mug warmers.

While forecasters say that we may be in for a break from the cold snap, they warn that sooner or later old-man winter will rear his ugly head and return at some point.

The Bermuda Weather Service expects showers, gales and cooler weather later this week -- but take some comfort, it should not be as cold as last week. But since it is only January, the odds are that the cold weather will make another reappearance before spring. If, or when, it does here are a few tips to help make sure that you are ready just in case the temperature dips into the 40's again.

Most body heat is lost from the head, so when the temperature plummets, wear a hat or hood; Wear layers of clothing rather than a single item. Layers provide better insulation; Try to keep dry. Wet clothes lose their insulation effect and when combined with the wind can chill you. If clothes get wet, change them as soon as possible; Keep in mind that air temperatures do not have to be below freezing for someone to experience cold emergencies like hypothermia; Remember that wind speeds can create cold conditions, even when the temperatures aren't that low; Electric heaters should be used with care to avoid shock, fire and burns.

Always supervise children when operating a heating devise; Gas ovens or burners should never be used for heating purposes; If you weather gets really bad, check on your elderly neighbours to make sure they are o.k.; and If travelling on a bike, be sure to always carry rain gear -- you never know when the heavens will open up.

For the die-heart exercise buffs, who refuse to allow Mother Nature to get in the way of their work-out routine, here are a few tips to keep in mind when the weather turns ugly: For those who run in the morning of evening, dress for the cold, especially if it is 45 degrees of lower. Wear an outer layer that will break the wind; According to running enthusiasts, rubbing petroleum jelly on your hands will help keep them warm; Those who are cycling -- remember that mittens are better than gloves. Mittens allow warm air to circulate between your fingers; and Experts suggest that joggers run into the wind when they start their jog and coast home with the wind at their back.

Humans are not the only creatures that feel miserable in the cold -- imagine how your four-legged friend feels when the temperature dips into the 40's. If your dog is left outside nights, make sure it can seek refuge in a dry, draft-free doghouse that faces away from the wind.

The house should be large enough to allow your canine-friend to sit or lie down comfortably, but small enough to help hold in the dog's body heat.

The floor of the dog house should be raised off the damp ground and covered with an old blanket, hay or some other type of bedding.

And the doorway of your pet's abode should be covered with some type of heavy material to keep the night winds out.

Here are a couple of extra tips to keep pooch comfortable when the weather becomes chilly: Remember that outdoor dogs need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy; and While allowing your pet to lounge in front of your heater may keep them toasty -- the heat can dry out your pet's skin. Experts suggest placing a small amount of vegetable oil in their food which will help keep their coat moisturised.

HEATING SAFETY TIPS Heating safety tips The recent increase in the purchase of cold weather goods, has prompted officials to issue warnings on their use.

The Bermuda Fire Service has reminded the public to exercise caution when using heaters, fire places and electric blankets.

"Most products, if used within their guidelines are safe,'' said Lieutenant Lloyd Burchall, staff officer for the Bermuda Fire Service.

But Lt. Burchall said the following safety tips should be taken into consideration when using portable or fixed heaters: Make sure all equipment bears the label of an independent testing laboratory for its designed use (for example, UL, ULC or MF); Keep all combustible items at least three feet away from space heaters and fireplaces; Keep fireplace fires small and always use a fire screen across the fireplace; Use kerosene heaters with care and free from draughts. Never refill kerosene heaters when they are hot; and When using electrical extension cords in conjunction with heaters, attention should be placed on whether the cord is suitable for the load which is being placed on it. Generally, lamp cord extensions are not suitable.

Lt. Burchall also had some words of advice for owners of kerosene heaters who will be stopping at the gas pumps to replenish their fuelling supply.

"It should be transported in a proper container,'' he said. "You can find metal containers at any hardware store.

"Once the container is full, make sure it is properly sealed and placed in a part of the car where it will not be punctured or any liquid will escape from the container.'' Illustration by Corrina Rego Keeping warm: A roaring fire, electric and kerosene heaters and plenty of blankets help ward off the cold.