Winter Weather Tips

Kerrville, Texas (November 14, 2014) – With the arrival of cold temperatures, it’s time to think about preparing our homes for the winter weather. When preparing for the cold weather, remember to protect the 4 P’s – people, pipes, plants, and pets. We all know that Texas weather can be somewhat unpredictable varying between warm and cold weather, often within the same week. Nonetheless, here are some helpful tips to keep your P’s warm and protected.

Protect People

Keep warm and stay inside if possible on very cold days. If you need to go out, dress in layers and wear hats, gloves, and an appropriate coat. The elderly and very young are more susceptible to cold weather. Check on family and loved ones if they live alone.

Protect your Pipes

To protect your pipes, let indoor faucets drip and disconnect garden hoses. Drain water sprinkler supply lines and hoses. Wrap or cover faucets or hose bibs with an insulating

material. Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to the pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.

Protect your Plants

Bring potted plants inside or store in a garage to provide protection and warmth. Cover outdoor plants with a frost cloth, sheet or other material that allows the plants to breathe. Spreading two to three inches of mulch can help protect roots of plants and trees. Be sure to water your plants as the water in the ground keeps the roots from getting frost damage.

Take a look at the trees in your yard and trim any weak branches that could potentially break causing damage to people, power lines, homes or vehicles.

Protect your Pets

Bring pets indoors or to a warm enclosure out of the elements. For larger animals, provide proper shelter, blankets and extra straw to keep warm. Provide fresh, clean water for your pet every day. Outdoor pets need to consume 25 to 50 percent more calories than usual to keep their energy levels up.

Heater Safety Tips

Do NOT bring heating devices into the home that are intended for outdoor use, such as propane and charcoal barbecues; other cooking equipment, such as propane cookers; natural gas or wood burning outdoor fire places; or outdoor patio heaters, as these items produce deadly carbon monoxide. Use electric space heaters with an automatic shut off switch and a non-glowing heating element. Do not place a space heater within three feet of anything that could catch on fire, such as drapes, bedding, and furniture. Never leave children or pets unattended near a space heater. Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make

sure everyone in your home knows how to use them. Ensure all smoke detectors have new batteries and are in working order.

The City of Kerrville monitors the weather and road conditions and crews are prepared to take necessary action for icing conditions. Please stay safe when traveling and remember that bridges, stairs, and sidewalks can become icy. Motorists with concerns about road conditions or to report hazardous areas should contact the Kerrville Police Department dispatch at 830.257.8181. For those traveling on major highways, current TxDot highway conditions can be obtained by calling 1.800.452.9292.

Stay warm, curl up with a good book by your cozy fireplace, enjoy your favorite hot comforting beverage or food, and most of all, stay safe as we venture into the holiday season. The City of Kerrville wishes everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday.

For additional information contact Ashlea Boyle, Special Projects Manager at (830) 258-1153 via e-mail to ashlea.boyle@kerrvilletx.gov or visit the city’s website at www.kerrvilletx.gov.