With winter-like weather about to make its first appearance in a while, be sure that you’re prepared for it.
According to the National Weather Service, a Freeze Warning is in effect in areas across North Mississippi, and temperatures will drop into the teens in certain areas.
Central Mississippi will not see quite the same threat, but temperatures could reach freezing on Saturday morning.
Busted pipes and other household headaches become a major concern when the temperatures drop. The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency gave the following tips on how you should prepare your home for the cold weather.
- Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
- Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
- Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
- Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip slightly during cold weather to avoid freezing.
- Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
- Learn how to shut off water valves, in the case of a pipe bursting.
- Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.
- Be sure to check on elderly neighbors as the temperatures drop to make sure they are well prepared to deal with the change in the weather.
MEMA also knows that your car needs to prepped for winter weather.
- Antifreeze levels: ensure they are sufficient to avoid freezing
- Battery and ignition system: should be in top condition and battery terminals should be clean.
- Brakes: check for wear and fluid levels.
- Heater and defroster: ensure they are working properly.
- Lights and flashing hazard lights: ensure they are working properly.
- Gas tank: Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.
The NWS stated that temperatures below freezing could damage or kill crops and other sensitive vegetation.
