Hard Freeze Warning In Effect Until 5 pm MST Monday.
Freeze Warning In Effect from 5 pm Monday to 9 am MST Tuesday.
The National Weather Service in Phoenix has issued a Hard Freeze Warning, which is in effect until 5 pm MST Monday. A Freeze Warning is also in effect from 5 pm Monday to 9 am MST Tuesday.
- Affected area: Quartzite And Bouse.
- Temperature: minimum temperatures generally in the lower 20s.
- Impacts: destruction of garden plants and vegetables, damage to landscaping plants and citrus trees, added hardship for homeless people and pets left outdoors, damage to exposed plumbing pipes.
PETS
• The Humane Society of Southern Arizona suggests that pet owners should either bring their animals indoors or make sure they have shelter with warm blankets to shield them from the cold.
• Pets need a place to sleep that is off the floor or ground and away from drafts.
• Dogs sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed should be taken outdoors only long enough to relieve themselves. Puppies do not tolerate the cold well.
• Dogs that spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities should be fed more, especially protein, to keep fur thick.
• Cats can freeze outside and should be kept indoors.
• Sometimes cats sleep under the hoods of cars, where it is warmer. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed in the fan belt. Before starting the engine, bang loudly on the hood to give a hiding cat a chance to escape.
PIPES
Homeowners are advised to cover exposed pipes with insulation or towels to prevent them from freezing and bursting.
It is also best to drain pipes or leave a tap dripping in the fixture farthest from the water heater, which allows water to run through the pipes during the night.
• Seal all areas that allow cold outside air to get in where pipes are located.
• Water pipes in attics may also need to be insulated.
• If your water pipe has frozen, be patient. There is no quick remedy. Pipes will need to gradually warm up. You can use a hair dryer on the frozen section to begin the warming process. Wave the warm air back and forth on the pipe.
• Do not pour hot water over a frozen pipe, or use open-flame torches.
• If there is a burst or water is already leaking from plumbing, turn off the water at the main supply valve.
PLANTS
• Nursery workers suggest that outdoor plants need to be protected from the harsh weather by covering them with blankets or nylon frost cloths. Do not cover plants with plastic.
• Plants should be well-watered for protection because the water insulates the entire plant.
• Styrofoam cups over the tips of cacti will stop frost damage on the new growth.
