Stay warm, Franklin County

Here in north Alabama, we are accustomed to milder winters. Some years we don’t even have to get those heavy coats out of winter storage.

But that doesn’t mean cold never sets in. With temperature in the teens and lower – even in the subzero range with the wind chill factor – the New Year has gotten off to a frosty start.

When such frigid temps settle in, a little extra caution is wise. We hope our friends and neighbors in Franklin County will take the necessary steps to stay safe and warm as 2018 begins. Remembering the four “p’s” will help you weather the weather safely: people, pets, plants and pipes.

The Alabama Emergency Management Agency encourages people to protect themselves from the cold by layering up when going outside. We hope people will also take the time to be sure elderly family members and neighbors are staying warm during this deep freeze. Older adults can lose body heat fast – faster than when they were young – and might not even realize just how cold they are getting, according to the National Institute on Aging. Reach out to those who might need a little extra help warding off the chill and make sure they can stay toasty warm. Young children are also more vulnerable in cold weather, so be sure they are bundled up warmly if you have to go outdoors.

The EMA encourages pet-owners to protect their pets by giving them a warm place to sleep and food to eat. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, pets can suffer from chapped paws and dry skin in severe cold – just like their human counterparts – and pets with short hair are especially vulnerable to the cold. Pets burn extra energy by trying to stay warm in wintertime, so feeding your pet a little bit more during the cold weather months can provide much-needed calories. The best warm place to sleep is off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.

Plants should be brought indoors as possible and kept away from chilly windows.

For those with pipes susceptible to freezing, the EMA recommends opening cabinets under the faucet and let the water slowly trickle until temperatures rise above freezing.

It is going to continue to be bitterly cold this first week of the New Year. Take those necessary precautions to ward off the chill and enjoy a cozy start to 2018.