Harris County Municipal Utility District 18

Potential freeze alert for HCMUD 18. Please take precautions to protect your home. See tips below on winter weather preparation.

People:

• Keep warm, stay inside if possible.
• If you need to go out, dress in layers and wear hats, gloves and an appropriate coat.
• Avoid overexertion, as cold weather puts added strain on your body.

Pets:

• Prolonged exposure to the forecasted temperatures and wind may be fatal to unprotected livestock and pets.
• Bring pets inside, and move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas.
• Keep adequate food and water available.

Pipes:

• Proper winterization of any exposed pipes/plumbing will be needed to prevent damage.
• Disconnect outdoor hoses, drain and store in a protected area.
• Wrap exposed faucets and pipes – including those outside the house or in unheated crawl spaces, attics, garages and other areas.
• If you are going out of town, shut off the main water supply and drain pipes to prevent damage should they burst.

Plants:

• Bring potted plants inside or store in a garage near the interior wall to provide extra warmth and protection from wind.
• For cold-sensitive outdoor plants, put down extra mulch and consider covering with a cloth fabric of some kind to shield the plants from wind and frost.
• Tropical plants/vegetation will require maximum freeze protection.

Heater Safety:

Portable space heaters are often used to heat rooms and homes. If not used properly, they can cause fires, severe injuries, and death. If using a portable heater, remember these important safety tips:

• Keep heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn, including furniture, carpets, curtains, and people.
• Place heaters on solid, non-flammable surfaces.
• Never block exits with a heater and keep them out of the way of foot traffic.
• Keep children away from heaters.
• Always plug heaters directly into wall outlets – NEVER use an extension cord.
• Turn off and unplug space heaters when leaving a room or going to bed.