How to protect your pipes, pets and pansies from freezing weather
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Freezing weather in North Texas
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A cold front headed for North Texas will plunger temperatures into the teens and 20s. Here are tips to keep in mind when preparing for below freezing temperatures:
HOW TO PROTECT WATER FAUCETS FROM FREEZING
Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, so during prolonged freezes it may be necessary to to open cabinet doors under sinks where there are water pipes.
The City of Fort Worth advises residents to keep extra water on hand in case of a main break or a frozen pipe.
The Texas Department of Insurance advises Texans to wrap all exposed pipes in your home and cover all outdoor pipes to keep them insulated.
If your home is without power, avoid using exterior doors to keep the warm air inside. Heating a home with a working fireplace and dripping faucets are other ways to decrease the chances of pipes bursting.
The Texas Department of Insurance created a YouTube video in December titled “How to prevent pipes from freezing” with more tips on keeping pipes secure.
Frozen pipes can crack or burst when thawed; if you have a frozen pipe, call a plumber for assistance.
PROTECTING PETS AND ANIMALS IN THE COLD
Outside pets should be given more food and water during cold weather because they lose more energy. The Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals advises outdoor pet owners to provide an elevated shelter from the wind with blankets, towels or hay to keep the animal warm and dry.
Never leave a pet unattended in a car during winter weather, similar to precautions taken during the heat.
Outdoor and feral cats could use cars parked outside for shelter — If your car is parked outside, knock on the hood of the car, slam your car door or honk the car horn to give outdoor cats a warning before starting your car.
PROTECTING OUTSIDE PLANTS
Some plants are better at withstanding cold weather than others, like pansies, which can survive single-digit temperatures. For all plants keeping soil warm is the main priority when protecting outdoor plants during the winter.
According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension in Travis County, container plants are most susceptible to freeze because the roots have not gained the same cold tolerance as plants rooted in the ground.
To keep your outdoor plants safe from the cold, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension advises watering plants in advance and covering them with plant cover fabric or sheets during the night and to uncover the plants during the day.
According to the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, plastic can harm plant leaves in cold weather, so when using plastic covers make sure to also use a metal frame to keep the cover from touching the plant.
WILL PROPANE FREEZE?
While the tank may get cold, the propane inside has a freezing point of negative 305.9 degrees Fahrenheit.
Always keep propane tanks outside and away from fire.
This story was originally published February 2, 2022 at 1:47 PM.
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