It stays hot most of the year here in Florida, so we often panic when the cooler air rolls in. This winter season, remember the 4 Ps of cold weather safety to keep people, pipes, plants and pets safe and warm!

People

• Practice Fire Safety
• Exercise caution when using supplemental heating units.
• Make sure all combustible materials, such as drapes or chairs, are at least three feet away from any heating unit.
• Avoid using flammable liquids to start fireplaces and do not leave a fireplace unattended. Once the fire is out, let the ashes cool in the fireplace for several days.
• Check your smoke alarm to make sure it is working properly.
• Dress in layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing as layering will keep you warmer than one bulky sweater.

• Check on neighbors and family members who may be more susceptible to cold weather conditions, such as the elderly or disabled. If you are unable to reach them, TPD will conduct a welfare check for you. Simply call the Consolidated Dispatch Agency at 850-606-5800 to request the service.

Pipes

• Insulate pipes located outside or in the attic with cloth or a similar material to help prevent freezing.
• Make sure the cover to your water meter fits tightly. If your pipes do freeze, you can use the valve inside the meter box to shut off all the water to the house, helping to prevent indoor flooding when pipes thaw.
• Insulate your backflow assembly properly by wrapping or covering the pipe. Do not cover the bottom relief opening on the underside at the middle of the apparatus to avoid creating other flooding problems.
• Wrap commercial fire lines in buildings.
• Disconnect outside water hoses from spigots, as water trapped inside can freeze and crack the hose.

Pets

• Towel dry your pet’s paws after walking on cold, wet grass to avoid chapped paws.
• Never shave your pet down to the skin in winter, as longer coats provide warmth in the cooler air. If your pet has short hair or is sensitive to the cold, consider getting them a coat or sweater to wear when outside.
• Provide shelter for outdoor pets or bring them indoors.

Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pets.

Plants

• Move interior plants away from poorly insulated or drafty windows.
• Bring potted plants into your garage or shed, or insulate the pot with plastic wrap or burlap.
• Add a thin layer of mulch around the base of young trees or shrubs, leaving a few inches of space near the trunk to prevent root rot.
• Cover garden beds or rooted plants with opaque plastic wrap or cardboard boxes, securely anchoring the cover to the ground with rocks or bricks to prevent cool air from sneaking in.
• Remove the coverings once temperatures begin to rise.

Cold Weather Preparedness Videos & Information

• Extreme Cold Preparedness
• Ready.gov Winter Weather Guide
• Pet Cold Weather Safety Tips