NEW ORLEANS — As we dip into some colder temperatures Thursday night, the city of New Orleans has activated its freeze plan through Friday.
WWL Louisiana talked to several local experts about what this weather can do to not only you but also your car, your pets, and your plants.
First, on the list of things to protect in a freeze is people. Dress warm and try to stay inside during extreme cold.
If you do find yourself outside wear layers – a hat and gloves and carry a cell phone.
And check on your loved ones.
The next on the list is your car. Blake Weller with NOLA Automotive Repair said when temps get so low you don’t want to rush to get the car running in the extreme cold.
“It’s always safe to go ahead and run the vehicle for at least five minutes when it’s below freezing temperatures just so it allows the actual fluids in the vehicle to start circulation and so forth," Weller suggested. "You mainly want to go ahead and make sure the coolant is at the right level.”
Weller also pointed out that tire pressure is the other big thing as cold weather can pull the air out of your tire.
“On all vehicles and manufacturers, inside the driver's front door when you are getting into the car there is a tire warning label that gives the tire size and the recommended pressure for the tires on the vehicle," he explained.
And what about protecting our four-legged friends?
An official from the local animal rescue said it's best to bring your pet inside and if you can try to foster an animal from the shelter to help keep them warm.
"If it’s too cold for you, it's too cold for your pets and we want to keep animals as safe as possible during the freeze," said Ginnie Baumann of Animal Rescue of New Orleans.
ARNO is also asking for donations of blankets to keep the pets they care for warm.
"But what we do every year to keep [them] warm is we group [the animals] together in insulated areas to keep them warm," Baumann said. "And then we move [them] out to be fostered as much as possible.”
And lastly, a few tips to keep your plants thriving through the bitter cold.
“Plants cannot feel wind chill, so the temperature that it is is the temperature they can feel," said Teresa Thomas of Crazy Plant Bae in Treme. "So, if we are still above freezing, the majority of your plants are still going to be fine.”
Thomas said if you do bring them in, keep this in mind.
“If you are bringing them in for a long time and not just overnight, make sure that they have adequate lighting," she explained. "They are used to being outside with bright light and now you’re bringing them inside where the air is dryer. “
And if those plants get damaged, a trip to a plant store or nursery may be in your near future.
As a reminder, those in need of shelter can call the city’s non-emergency number 3-1-1 to get some assistance for free.