The coldest air of the winter is on its way to South-Central Texas, including Lockhart/Caldwell County, according to the U.S. National Weather Service. Temperatures are expected to drop early Monday morning with highs in the upper 20s and 30s and lows in the teens for many areas in the region.

To prepare for the upcoming weather conditions, here’s what you need to do:

• Don’t forget the three P’s: People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants.
  • People:
  • • Check in on friends and family, especially those who are vulnerable or older.
    • Dress for the weather. Stay warm and wear layers.
  • Pets:
    • Bring pets inside a warm, dry place with access to food and water.
    • Keep livestock in an enclosed space with extra bedding, hay, and carefully placed heat lamps.
  • Pipes:
    • Insulate exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or heat tape.
    • Cover outdoor faucets.
    • Outdoor water systems should be drained and covered or allowed to drip slowly to help protect from damage.
  • Plants:
    • Bring sensitive plants inside.
    • Cover sensitive plants with frost blanket or cardboard, and extra mulch
• KEEP ANYTHING THAT CAN BURN AT LEAST THREE FEET FROM ANY HEAT SOURCE! That includes fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, and space heaters.
  • Plug only ONE heat-producing appliance, like space heaters, into an electrical outlet at a time.
  • Space heaters must be placed on a solid, flat surface.
  • Do not leave any heat sources unattended.
    • Also, keep them out of reach of children and/or pets.
• Make sure you have a working smoke and carbon monoxide detector.
• Keep portable generators OUTSIDE, away from windows, and as far away from your home.
• Don’t run your car in the garage to keep warm.
• IF YOU HAVE TO TRAVEL:
  • Make sure you have at least half a tank of gas to keep fuel lines from freezing.
  • Slow down.
  • Don’t use cruise control.
  • Leave plenty of distance between you and another vehicle.
  • Stay up to date on weather conditions.
  • Make sure you have an emergency kit in your vehicle that contains a first aid kit, flashlight, water, snacks, cellphone charger, blankets, jumper cables, spare tire, flares, and a snow shovel and brush.
• Sign up for warncentraltexas.org for the latest weather and emergency notifications from your local public safety agencies. This service is FREE!