DRIPPING SPRINGS BABBLE: THE BIG CHILL

THE BIG CHILL

We're sure you've seen the local weather forecasts, but just a friendly reminder on the 3 Ps (Pets, Pipes and Plants) as most folks in these parts have all three. The weatherfolk forecast a hard freeze Friday and Saturday (some have the temperature dipping to teens and even 10, and we're usually colder out here in the Hill Country). The temperatures are predicted to be colder than in any during the past few years.

Pets: Just like us, animals get acclimated to our typically warmer Texas weather. Please bring them inside!

Pipes: Particularly for outdoor and rooftop plumbing, insulate as much as possible now. Some of us (raises hand) will be glued to the television for a certain football game Thursday night, so planning ahead is key. The colder nights may require keeping a slow drip of water to reduce the threat for freezing or bursting pipes, but a fail safe method is to drain the system and turn off the water at the source.

Plants: Cover with a sheet and fasten in a tented fashion to prevent the wind from blowing off the cover. For in ground plants, water generously and, if possible, provide additional mulch as insulation

And, please offer a hand to any neighbors who might not have the physical ability to protect their 3 Ps without a little help.