Brace yourselves as winter has arrived in the Bayou City. Many of us are still having flashbacks from last year's freeze. The three P's to keep in mind are pipes, pets, and plants. It is anticipated that there will be a thin glaze of ice on elevated roads and bridges into Friday morning. Below are some helpful reminders to prepare for the next couple of days.
Protect Your Pipes
Keep the heater on- Make sure that you put the the temperature at a minimum of 55 degrees at all times.
Let the water from your faucet drip. Both the hot and cold water should run and check your the sinks in your kitchen and bathroom.
Open all the cabinet doors especially the ones that are located under the kitchen and bathroom sinks, in order for heat to circulate through your pipes.
Insulate your pipes that situated outside or away from heat. Hopefully there are sleeves left at your local Home Depot or Lowe's.
Disconnect drain hoses from outdoor spigots.
Turn off your sprinkler system.
Pets and Plants
Bring your furry friends and plants inside. When the weather hits below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, plants and flowers start to die. If you are unable to bring your plants inside, you may water them before it gets too cold or cover them fabric or a light blanket with plastic sheeting on top of it.
Do not shave your dog, as the extra layer of fur will act as a coat during the winter.
Do not leave pets in the car, because it is equivalent to a refrigerator with the current temperature.
Group potted plants together and place them near the edge of the building.
Protect Yourself and Your Neighbors
Check in with your family, friends, and neighbors especially if they are the elderly.
Make sure that you have a full tank of gas.
Stock up on water, food, snacks, and blankets.
Do not run your car in a garage with the garage door closed, use a gas range or oven for heating, or use a camp grill or generator indoors. This may generate carbon monoxide which can be deadly.
If you have to be outdoors, make sure that you wear a hat, gloves and winter coat to prevent hypothermia and frost bites.