Reminders to help keep your pets and pipes safe this winter season

JACKSON, Tenn. — Frigid temps are here and we have a few tips on how you can care for your pets and pipes this winter season.

A winter weather advisory is in affect throughout most of the country, and no one wants to experience unfortunate utility mishaps like water leaks or even busted pipes.

“The big thing with plumbing would be to drip your faucets at night especially, and when you’re gone during the day. If you have any under cabinet faucets or water lines it would be a good idea to open those cabinets up so the heat can get to those,” said Holden Bennett, manager for Solace Plumbing Heating and Air.

Central air and heating units are also a major concern. Bennett tells us that maintaining your HVAC system is an essential priority to ensure fully functioning operation.

“For heat and air, a good thing to do is to make sure your filters are clean. Make sure you’ve had an inspection or somebody has gone through makes sure everything is cleaned — everything’s working properly and all your apertures are correct,” said Bennett.

Pet lovers are urged to provide adequate shelter and provisions so animals can maintain their warmth. According to Midland Pet Care, animals should be inside any time temperatures drop to 32°f. When the mercury dips this low, water freezes and animals are at risk for hypothermia.

“We’re just encouraging owners of outside animals, mainly — that’s usually dogs, to make sure they have the proper shelter where the dog can get in and out of the cold with the proper stuff to keep them warm such as straw, hay, or anything like that,” said Bennett.

According to the Midland Pet Care study, pets whose core temperatures have become too low are at risk for unconsciousness, coma and even death. Symptoms of hypothermia include excessive shivering, lethargy, pale gums and an internal body temperature below 90°f. They suggest allowing them outside to relieve themselves and exercise for short periods.

“With this bad weather coming in the next couple of days you need to make sure the animals are properly taken care of,” said Bennett.

TDOT says if you’re caught in ice and snow: take it slow — meaning slower speeds, slower acceleration, slower steering and slower braking.

Temporary warming shelters are available throughout the region for men and women providing food, clothing and shelter as they wait out the freezing temperatures. Find more information on our ‘Seen on 7‘ section.

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