We may not wake up to a snow-covered lawn on Christmas Day, but it’s definitely feeling a lot like Christmas. This weekend is bringing less than 20-degree temperatures with wind chill in the negatives. For those having flashbacks to last year’s winter storm, there are several ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.

  1. Bring your pets inside and stay in if you can. It’s cold, and your furry friends are feeling it too. Not to mention, leaving pets outside during extreme weather for extended periods of time is now illegal in Texas according to the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act.
  2. Cover your pipes and leave your faucets running when you go to bed tonight. Frozen pipes can burst, which is no fun for anyone. Keeping the faucet running prevents sitting water in the faucet from freezing.
  3. Check your car battery’s voltage. Below freezing temps are not a good time for your car not to start.
  4. If you’re leaving town for the holidays, stock your car with blankets and jumper cables just in case.
  5. Tap on your hood before starting your car. Dallas is home to a variety of wildlife, and many of these critters can take shelter in the hood of your car.