Houston is on alert as an impending arctic front threatens to deliver the coldest weather yet this season, making it crucial for residents to take proactive measures to protect themselves, their homes, and their vehicles.<\/p>\n
MORE DETAILS: A cold start to a beautiful MLK day across Houston<\/a><\/p>\n Staying safe means preparing for the 4 Ps: People, Pets, Plants & Pipes.<\/p>\n PEOPLE: We want to prevent hypothermia by covering all exposed skin with hats, gloves, scarves to prevent heat loss and limit your time outdoors.<\/p>\n PETS: Prevent hypothermia in pets by bringing them indoors, limit outdoor activity and consider a coat or sweater if they are showing signs of being cold – in or outside of the house.<\/p>\n PLANTS: Protect your plants by bringing the potted plants indoors and covering the rest with breathable blankets that are secure to the ground.<\/p>\n PIPES: Cover your spigots, wrap your pipes and keep your garage door closed if you have pipes in your garage.<\/p>\n MORE: How to prepare for temperature drop in Houston area<\/a><\/p>\n 1. Prepping your ride for the freeze<\/p>\n Before hitting the road, let\u2019s make sure your car is ready for whatever winter throws at it. A quick checklist could save you a whole lot of hassle later:<\/p>\n Battery check:\u00a0Cold temps can zap your battery\u2019s power, so make sure it\u2019s in good shape.<\/p>\n Tires:\u00a0Check tire pressure and tread. You want to be able to grip the road, not slip.<\/p>\n Windshield wipers:\u00a0Don\u2019t forget those wipers! Make sure they\u2019re ready to clear snow and ice.<\/p>\n Fluid levels:\u00a0Keep your fluids topped off (think antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, and oil).<\/p>\n Locks:\u00a0Lubricate your door and trunk locks to keep them from freezing.<\/p>\n And don\u2019t forget an emergency kit! You never know when you might get stuck, so pack some warm clothes, food, water, and a portable phone charger. Better safe than sorry!<\/p>\n 2. Road trip or stay home?<\/p>\n We get it\u2014sometimes you just have to get out, but winter weather and driving don\u2019t always mix. So here\u2019s what you need to know:<\/p>\n Avoid traveling if you can:\u00a0If there\u2019s ice or snow in the forecast, stay cozy at home.<\/p>\n If you must drive, plan ahead:\u00a0Share your travel plans with a friend or family member so they know where you\u2019re headed and when to expect you.<\/p>\n Slow and steady wins the race:\u00a0When roads are icy, slow down and give yourself extra space between you and other cars.<\/p>\n Keep your tank full:\u00a0You never know how long your trip could take, so don\u2019t risk running low on gas.<\/p>\n Bridges & overpasses are tricky:\u00a0Ice forms here before anywhere else, so take it slow when you approach these spots.<\/p>\n Watch out for downed trees and power lines:\u00a0Be extra cautious, and if a stoplight is out, treat it like a four-way stop.<\/p>\n 3. Stay warm at home<\/p>\n Winter isn\u2019t just about the roads\u2014it\u2019s about keeping your home safe and cozy too. Here are some easy tips to keep your house in tip-top shape:<\/p>\n Get a weather radio:\u00a0Keep one handy for real-time weather warnings and updates.<\/p>\n Pipe protection:\u00a0Insulate any outside faucets and pipes near the outer walls to keep them from freezing.<\/p>\n Fireplace and heater check:\u00a0Make sure your furnace, space heaters, and fireplace are clean, working well, and safe. Space heaters should be kept three feet away from anything that could catch fire (think: furniture, blankets, and the dog\u2019s bed).<\/p>\n Safety first with generators:\u00a0Never run a generator inside your home or garage. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, so make sure your carbon monoxide detector is up to date!<\/p>\n Don\u2019t use your stove for heat:\u00a0It\u2019s tempting, but just don\u2019t do it.<\/p>\n Stock up on essentials:\u00a0Water, canned goods, firewood, and any necessary medication. Being prepared means fewer trips to the store in the cold.<\/p>\n 4. Check in on the ones you love<\/p>\n Winter can be especially tough on the elderly or those with health conditions. Take a minute to check in on friends<\/a> and family to make sure they\u2019re doing okay.<\/p>\n