Pets, plants need TLC as wintry spell settles on South Plains

It's getting cold.

Temperatures dropped below freezing for the season's first time at 1:19 a.m. Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

And with colder weather expected this week, experts are offering tips to protect our temperature-sensitive animals, plants and homes.

How cold?

Joe Merchant, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service, said the cold temperatures should continue for the next few days, with highs not expected to exceed 50 degrees until Saturday. Temperatures were expected to dip to 18 degrees Tuesday night and 17 degrees Wednesday night. Wednesday's high is expected to stay below 30 degrees.

The windchill Wednesday will likely be in the single digits.

"It is an unusually cold air mass for this time of year," Merchant said, "not unprecedented, but certainly not normal."

Staying warm

Hopefully the plants worth salvaging have already been taken inside or covered, as low temperatures can damage most unprotected outdoor plants and effectively end the growing season.

The same goes for pets.

Cynthia Metsgar, supervisor at Lubbock's Animal Services, said freezing temperatures are dangerous for animals, as they can develop hypothermia or get frostbite. She encouraged pet owners to bring their animals indoors, especially at night.

If that is not an option, she said owners need to provide some type of shelter to protect against the wind, and fill it with blankets for warmth. Owners also need to frequently check their pets' water, as it can freeze over.

Special caution should also be taken during the winter months to prevent pipes from freezing.

Atmos Energy advises home residents to not turn their heat completely off for an extended period of time. Rather, they should turn it to a low setting when they leave.

Residents should also periodically run their kitchen and bathroom faucets on warm.

Pipes that enter the house should be insulated.

Also worth noting is irrigation.

Jeromy Gowdy of Watermaster Irrigation Supply, Inc., said he noticed at least three active sprinkler systems on his way to work, all frozen over. He said watering plants during the winter is not as critical as it is during the spring and summer.

To water plants, he said, people should wait until it gets above freezing. His company sells a device that doesn't activate sprinkler systems unless it's above 37 degrees.

Stuart Walker, director of code administration, said it is a violation of city code - subject to a fine - to operate a sprinkler system when it is below 35 degrees.

Water runoff will freeze on sidewalks and roads, thus putting others at risk, he said.

According to A-J Media archives, because of the temperature drop, the Salvation Army will hold its first Survive the Night event of the year Thursday. The program provides hot meals, warm clothing and blankets to the homeless community on cold evenings.

The purpose of the program is to encourage those on the streets to visit the shelter and escape the cold.

matt.dotray@lubbockonline.com

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