There is a cold front expected to move in Sunday, and it will be the coldest air of the season so the time to start preparing your home, plants and car for the freeze is now.
"Turning off your lights, your wipers, your heater before you turn off your engine at the end of your drive. That can really prevent an unnecessary drain on your battery the next time you start your car," said AAA Texas Spokesperson Daniel Armbruster.
Here’s what to know about how to prepare your home for a freeze, according to the Texas Department of Insurance and Texas Water Utilities:
- Insulate outdoor and indoor pipes in unheated areas
- Cover outdoor spigots with faucet covers/freeze caps
- Remove water hoses and wrap outdoor pipes
- Drain and turn off lawn sprinkler systems and drain swimming pool equipment
- If you leave your house before a freeze, turn off the water at the shutoff valve and leave heat on
- Once temperatures dip below freezing, open cabinets under sinks and keep the thermostat to a consistent temperature during the day and night
- Let faucets drip from the cold and hot taps or run water through your indoor faucets – hot and cold -- before you go to sleep.
- If pipes freeze, turn off water at the shutoff valve
- Let faucets drip from the cold and hot taps or run water through your indoor faucets – hot and cold -- before you go to sleep
- Keep the lid on the meter box so the meter won’t freeze
- Keep extra water on hand in case of water main breaks or frozen pipes
For your plants:
- Bring outdoor plants, particularly potted plants, inside if possible. According to Texas A&M Agrilife Extension, plants in containers are especially susceptible to cold.
- Cover plants with plant cover fabric and plastic
For your pets:
- If it’s too cold for you, it’s likely too cold for pets to be outside
- Use petroleum jelly or other vet-approved paw protectant on paw pads to protect them before they go outside
- Dry off pets when they come inside
- Thoroughly clean any antifreeze spills
- Feed your pet a little extra during the winter months
- Make sure pets have a warm, dry place to sleep
Story originally posted on WFAA.