DallasIt’s critical to safeguard the four Ps: people, pets, plants, and pipes as freeze warnings affect Dallas-Fort Worth.
Here are some tips for getting ready before frigid temperatures and even snowfall arrive:
Pipes:
LEICESTERSHIRE, UNITED KINGDOM – JANUARY 06: On January 6, 2010, in Newtown Linford, Leicestershire, United Kingdom, an outside tap is coated with snow. Due to significant snowfall, the Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for a large portion of Britain today.
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Allow a faucet to drip continuously during freezing temperatures to prevent pipes from freezing.
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Open the cabinets under your kitchen and bathroom sinks to let warm air circulate around the pipes.
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Know where your shut-off valves are in case of a pipe burst.
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Protect outdoor pipes with pipe insulation. If you re in a pinch, wrap outdoor faucets with rags, towels, or newspaper for temporary insulation.
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Keep your pool pump running.
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If you re leaving town, shut off and drain your water system to avoid burst pipes, and leave your heater on a low setting.
Pro tip: To keep water flowing and avoid freezing, a little, constant drip is sufficient.
Pets:
TOPSHOT: On December 14, 2023, a dog in clothing strolls across Beijing on a snowy day. (Image courtesy of AFP/WANG Zhao) (Image courtesy of AFP/WANG ZHAO via Getty Images)
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Ensure outdoor pets have access to unfrozen water and extra food, as they use more energy to stay warm.
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Provide insulated, elevated shelters for outdoor animals.
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Beep your car horn or make loud noises before starting your engine to scare off cats or other animals that may be seeking warmth near the engine.
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Consider dressing short-haired dogs in sweaters during walks to keep them warm. If your pet shows signs of discomfort, like burrowing or refusing to move, bring them inside. That’s them trying to tell you that they’re cold.
Plants:
Dave Forehand, a horticultural specialist at the Dallas Arboretum, says it’s not too late to safeguard your plants because days with temperatures below freezing are still predicted.
The Dallas Arboretum’s gardening specialist, Dave Forehand, has been getting the garden’s surrounding plants ready.
“We had time to prepare because we had a lot of predictions about this cold. He replied, “I took a break from planting all the bulbs for spring to begin covering all the plants.”
He believes it’s not too late to safeguard your plants because days with temperatures below freezing are still predicted.
“At home, you can use anything: blanket, towels,” he stated. “If you use plastic, it will trap the condensation and damage the plants.”
According to Forehand, if snow does fall, it will benefit your garden.
“An excellent insulator is snow. It will shield and insulate objects without causing harm,” he stated. “Keep things covered, and it will be nice and cozy underneath.”
The already-grown topflora on the garden terrace in Neuschnee during the winter (photo by Harald Lange/ullstein bild via Getty Images)
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Bring small plants indoors, especially succulents. Cover outdoor plants with blankets or cardboard for insulation.
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Add mulch to protect the roots of trees and shrubs.
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Move larger potted plants closer to your home for added warmth.
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Turn off automatic sprinklers and detach hoses from outdoor faucets.
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If plants look wilted or weak after a freeze, don t worry they will most likely recover as temperatures warm.
Highlighted
TxDOT preparing roads with winter weather on the way
In anticipation of cold temperatures and potential snowfall later this week, TxDOT has pre-treated roadways throughout North Texas.
People:
Residents in Colleyville are receiving firewood as the metroplex prepares for winter storms. North Texans are getting ready for the cold weather and potential snowstorm in the following ways:
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Keep your heater on at all times, maintaining a consistent temperature of at least 55 .
In a smart home in San Ramon, California, on December 17, 2019, a man’s hand is shown in close-up regulating the temperature on a Nest Learning Thermostat, an Internet of Things gadget made by Google Inc. (Image courtesy of Gado/Getty Images/Smith Collection)
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Run ceiling fans on low in reverse to help circulate warm air.
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Prepare for potential power outages by stocking up on firewood, flashlights, and batteries.
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If you lose power and food spoils, document with photos and lists your insurance may reimburse up to $500.
You may reduce damage and stay safe during this freeze warning by heeding these precautions.
After DFW Airport led the country in the number of flights that were delayed or cancelled on Sunday, Monday morning is off to a little better start. Future flights will be impacted by the weather in the following ways:
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The National Weather Service and FOX 4 meteorologists provided the information for this article.
The National Weather Service and FOX 4 meteorologists provided the information for this article.
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