Central Florida cold snap: 5 P's to help you prepare for chilly weather

Cold weather and heater safety

The cold snap has many turning on heaters for the very first time. Some may smell smoke once they turn the heat on and experts say that is typically due to dust burning off of coils.

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. - Central Florida is about to get hit with the coldest temperatures we've seen in 4 years! This means you can actually break out that winter coat that's been collecting dust in your closet.

With chilly temperatures expected to drop into the 20s and 30s, many residents may feel caught off guard with how to prepare for such big weather changes in the Sunshine State. How do you keep your plants alive? Will your pipes be affected? How do you keep your family safe?

That's why Seminole County has released a simple 5 P's to follow during Florida's cold snap.

"Most Floridians aren't accustomed to freezing temperatures. With lows dipping below 30° over the weekend, prepare to protect yourself, your home and your pets."

PEOPLE

Hypothermia can be a risk with prolonged exposure to cold weather, especially if a person is sweating or wet, Seminole County says. Be sure to bundle up and stay warm during the cold weather.

PETS

If you're cold, they're cold. Pets should be inside during extreme temperatures. Don't leave Fido and Fluffy outside!

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PLANTS

Freezing temps incoming, protect tropical plants, trees

Temperatures are expected to dip below freezing Saturday night into Sunday morning. Tree and plant experts say that means you need to make sure you cover your tropical plants, trees, and those that don’t do well below freezing.

Hard freezes can easier kill plants. Be sure to bring them indoors or cover them up. Experts recommend using frost cloth, sometimes known as "plankets" which are sold at plant nurseries and garden centers. If you can’t find frost cloth, you can use bedsheets, but make sure the sheet doesn’t have holes. Plastic sheets are not recommended. Find more tips HERE.

PIPES

Plumbers offer tips on protecting pipes from cold

When temperatures fall as low as they are forecast your pipes may need extra protection. Plumbers suggest wrapping exposed pipes and possibly continue leaving some faucets on a light trickle.

Preparing for emergencies during the cold weather

Assistant Fire Marshal Inez Pressler with the Orange County Fire Rescue has some tips.

PRACTICE FIRE SAFETY

Use heating sources safely and according to instructions. Do not use fuel-burning devices inside. Also, be sure to check that your smoke alarms are in proper working order.

Lows tonight into early Saturday bottom out in the 30s in most locations with the air cold enough to promote a light freeze over northern Florida. Wind Chill Advisories are in effect Saturday morning from 4 -10 a.m. "Feels like" temps Saturday morning will range from 25-27 degrees, so certainly bundle up if you're heading out early.

The coldest air will be arriving overnight Saturday into Sunday morning. Currently, Freeze Watches are up for much of the area for Sunday morning. These watches will likely get upgraded to Freeze Warnings. A HARD FREEZE is possible as far south as northern portions of Lake and Volusia counties. A lighter freeze looks likely closer to Orlando.

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