How to prepare: Lake County to see freezing temperatures this weekend
LEESBURG — Lake County residents: It's time to prepare for the coldest weather this winter to date.
This weekend, temperatures are dipping below freezing.
On Saturday, it's expected to be clear-skied and sunny during the day with a high near 50 and a low around 26 degrees at night, according to the National Weather Service forecast.
On Sunday, the high is 55 during the day. At night, there will be areas of frost after 1 a.m. Otherwise, it should be clear with a low of around 36 degrees.
As the unusually chilly weather rolls in, experts advise people to remember the 5 P's of cold weather preparedness — protecting people, pets, pipes, plants, and practicing fire safety.
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Protecting people
The first P of weather preparedness is protecting people, which is exactly what Lake County is ready to do. From Jan. 28 to 30, Lake County is activating its cold-weather shelters.
These shelters are opening to protect those vulnerable to cold weather including the homeless community.
Trinity Assembly of God, located at 200 Urick St. in Fruitland Park and LifePointe Church, located at 3551 E. Orange Ave. in Eustis, will open all three nights from 5 p.m. until 7 a.m. the following morning.
Masks are required at all cold-weather shelter locations, and the Florida Department of Health will be conducting COVID-19 screenings at each shelter as well as offering hepatitis A, flu, and COVID-19 vaccinations.
LakeXpress, Lake County’s fixed-route transportation service, will provide free transportation to riders who indicate they are traveling to a cold-weather shelter. Riders should arrive before the indicated pick-up time. The CDC requires all riders of public busing systems to wear an appropriate face covering that covers both the nose and mouth for the duration of the ride.
People should dress in layers and wear a hat and gloves, try to stay out of the wind and remain dry.
Young children and the elderly are more sensitive to the cold weather, so it's important to check on them, too.
Protecting pets
Furry friends that normally roam the outdoors should be brought inside or given a warm shelter to stay in this weekend as cold weather persists.
No matter what the temperature is, wind chill can threaten a pet's life. Exposed skin on noses, ears and paw pads are at risk for frostbite and hypothermia during extreme cold.
Cars are also one of many hazards to small animals during cold weather. Warm engines in parked cars attract small animals like cats who might crawl underneath the hood.
To avoid injuring any hidden animals, make sure to bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine.
If you encounter a pet left in the cold, inform the owner.
Protecting plants
When weather like this rolls through, cold-sensitive plants are at risk of freezing and dying.
Cover plants with towels, blankets, sheets, cardboard or a tarp. The best time to cover plants is during the day to ensure that warmer air is trapped inside of the covering.
Protecting pipes
Cold weather can also cause major issues in your home. Pipes can freeze and create leaks if not properly taken care of.
The most common issue when temperatures fall is copper pipes bursting. If this happens, the best thing to do is to shut off the home's main water line.
To prevent pipes from bursting, they should be wrapped with foam insulation before cold weather comes.
Practice fire safety
House fires can start from indoor heating sources, so it is important to know how and when to properly use them.
All heating appliances – furnaces, wood stoves, and water heaters – should be checked and regularly serviced by a professional. Ensure there are no flammable materials are placed anywhere near them when in use. When using space heaters, inspect them for damaged cords.
Double-check there is a working smoke detector on every level of the home. It is important to check the batteries in smoke detectors every six months and to replace them annually. In case of a fire, it is important to know your home fire escape plan.
For more on weather safety
To receive cold weather alerts, text “COLD” to 888-777 or follow Lake County Emergency Management on Facebook at facebook.com/LakeCountyFLEmergencyManagement.
For more information about preparing for extreme cold weather events, visit floridadisaster.org/hazards/extreme-cold.
Nonprofit and faith-based organizations that wish to offer sheltering assistance in the future should contact Lake County Emergency Management at 352-343-9420.
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: How to prepare for freezing temperatures in Lake County this weekend
