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Planning for Inclement Weather

As you know, the current Houston area forecast calls for colder temperatures during the next few days.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR FRIGID TEMPERATURES
When winter temperatures drop significantly below normal, staying warm and safe can become a challenge. You need to protect property during the winter weather, including checking on elderly, taking care of pets and livestock, protecting plants and exposed plumbing.

Here are some tips for dealing with freezing temperatures:

PROTECT PEOPLE
� Never place a space heater on top of furniture or near water.
� Keep heat sources at least 3 feet away from furniture and drapes.
� Protect yourself from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning by installing a battery-operated CO detector and never using generators, grills, camp stoves, or similar devices indoors.
� It is also recommended that you prepare your car for winter.

    o Have your car serviced and add antifreeze as needed.
    o Make sure battery terminals are clean and tightened.
    o Make certain windshield wipers and defrosters are in good working order and the window washer reservoirs are filled.
PROTECT PLANTS
� Cover your plants; a sheet or a blanket works well. Just make sure the material allows your plants to breathe and that it isn't just sitting on top of the plants. Do not cover your plants with plastic.
� The third tip is to spread at least two to three inches of mulch to protect the roots of plants and trees so that even if you lose a plant, the roots are protected then the roots can come back in the spring.
� Finally, use water on plants. It goes against common sense, but watering your plants actually protects them from the cold.

PROTECT PIPES
� Disconnect outdoor hoses, drain and store in a protected area.
� Wrap exposed faucets and pipes including those outside the house or in unheated crawl spaces, attics, garages and other areas.
� If you have a swimming pool, besides keeping the pump running, make sure all the valves are open as well.

For on-campus emergencies or service calls related to weather or other issues, please contact the Customer Service Center and note the location of the issue, contact person, and impact:

University of Houston
Plant Operations
Customer Service Fix-It Center
24-hour Customer Service Hotline
Phone: (713) 743 - 4948 (FIXIT)
Fax: (713) 743 - 5640
CSC personnel available from 7am - 5pm

* After 5pm calls are automatically transferred to the after- hours technician *