Fresno freezing temps: How to prepare your plants, pipes and power for extreme cold
Fresno is in a freeze warning until Wednesday morning.
The National Weather Service says low overnight temperatures will dip to 27 degrees in many parts of the San Joaquin Valley floor.
The weather service shared tips on how residents can prepare for the cold weather:
- Bring pets indoors overnight
- Prevent pipes from freezing by letting cold water trickle from the faucet
- Open cabinet doors so warm air can circulate around the plumbing
Ready.gov, a government resource that helps people prepare for emergencies and natural disasters, also outlines tips on how to brace for the cold:
- Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
- Gather supplies in case of a power outage
It also recommends that people:
- Avoid driving in dangerous conditions, if possible, and limit time outdoors.
- If you need to be outside, wear warm clothes and be aware of frostbite and hypothermia symptoms
Other tips from Ready.gov, include the following:
- Do not heat your home with a gas stove or oven as there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning
- Create an emergency supply kit for your home, car and workplace. It should include jumper cables, water, blankets, non-perishable foods and flashlights.
- Keep a full tank of gas
Protect your plants
Freezing cold temperatures can also damage or kill some plants, according to the weather service. The agency recommends you cover them and exposed vegetation so they can trap heat. If you have a garden, you can protect it from frost by covering it with row covers or bedsheets.
According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, you should also protect your plants’ soil by adding organic matter on the surface before covering it to avoid erosion and to feed the soil.
This story was originally published January 30, 2023 at 11:30 AM.