Preparing for the cold weather

Temperatures are expected to drop tonight with a freeze warning in effect.

Bundled up and bracing for a freeze for the first time in months, temperatures in South Mississippi are dropping drastically as we cross over into wintry conditions.

If you have to go outdoors, keep it to a minimum, all it takes is 30 minutes for frost bite to set in. For those seeking shelter from the cold, the Salvation Army Shelter in Gulfport has opened its doors as it does any time temperatures drop below 40 degrees. Salvation Army Area Commander Major Bradley Caldwell said, “We know that the folks who come here seeking shelter need more than just a cot and a meal. They need to feel that they’re apart of the community and that’s at the heart of why and how we do this.”

While most of our four-legged friends have thick fur for protection, a good rule of thumb is if it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pets. Humane Society of South Mississippi volunteer coordinator Valerie Kattz said, “Please make sure you bring them inside. You can put little sweaters on them. Make sure you give them blankets and if you see maybe your neighbor has left their pets outside politely let them know and if they’re not doing anything about it then call someone and make sure that that animal gets some shelter.”

It’s also a good idea to make sure that your faucets are dripping water throughout the night so that they won’t freeze. In addition to dripping water, you need to make sure that your pipes don’t have cracks in them because cold air can get through and freeze them.

If you do head outdoors, stay warm. People, pets, and pipes: keep them wrapped up for the cold snap and winter as it rolls around.