San Marcos Advises Community To Protect Home, Family From Cold Weather

Central Texas is expecting wintry weather for the New Year with its first freeze.

San Marcos residents are encouraged to act now to protect their pipes, pets and plants before wintry weather is forecast to arrive Sunday night.

Temperatures are expected to drop to the 20s Sunday night and rise only into the mid-30s on New Year’s Day.

The City of San Marcos Public Services Department encourages residents to prevent broken water pipes by acting before the cold weather arrives.

Protect outside pipes from freezing:

• Caulk around pipes where they enter the house, close foundation vents and use wood or foam blocks to fit vent openings around pipes
• Wrap outside faucets or hose bibs in molded foam insulation or layers of old newspapers and cover with plastic to keep out moisture
• If you have a separate shut-off valve for outside faucets, turn it off
• Drain in-ground sprinkler systems

Protect pipes inside the house

• Insulate pipes in unheated areas (crawl space, attic, garage or basement)
• Open cupboard doors in kitchen and bathrooms
• Let faucets drip a little if the temperature dips below freezing
• Know how to shut off water valves.

Protecting pets:

• Keep pets inside out of severe cold
• If pets are outside, provide a doghouse with door away from the wind
• Line doghouse with straw or cedar shavings
• Make sure they have access to fresh water and food
• Do not leave antifreeze, coolant or windshield wiper fluid within reach
• Make sure your cat hasn’t crawled under the car hood for warmth

Protect plants:

• Bring sensitive plants inside
• Protect roots and foliage of plants with mulch, straw, bubble plastic or cloth
• Move potted plants out of the wind

The latest weather updates can be found online at the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov.