Spring Hill is facing single digit temperatures and wind chills into the negative teens through next week. Current forecasts show that we won't get above freezing for the next 10 days. These low temperatures pose a threat to your health and safety, home, and pets. Spend a couple minutes of your time to brush up on cold-weather safety knowledge to prevent a costly or tragic accident.

Here are a few things you can do right now to prepare for the bitter cold.

1. Drip Faucets: Allow faucets to drip slowly during extremely cold temperatures. This continuous flow of water can prevent pipes from freezing by relieving pressure within the plumbing system.
2. Open Cabinet Doors: Keep cabinet doors under sinks open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. This is particularly important for pipes located along exterior walls.
3. Seal Drafts: Identify and seal any drafts around windows, doors, and other openings. This not only helps in conserving heat but also prevents cold air from infiltrating your living spaces.
4. Maintain Consistent Heating: Do not turn off your furnace while you are away or asleep. The pipes inside the walls of your home rely on the warmth to avoid freezing.
5. Disconnect Garden Hoses: Disconnect and drain outdoor garden hoses. If left connected, water can freeze within the hose and potentially damage the connected faucets and pipes.
6. Emergency Shut-Off: Know where your main water shut-off valve is in case of emergencies. If a pipe does burst, being able to quickly turn off the water can minimize damage.
7. Keep your Garage Door Closed: This is especially important if you have exposed water supply lines in your garage. Limit the amount of cold air entering your garage by not using the garage door, or limiting the amount of time the garage door is open. (NEVER leave your car running in a closed garage, as it poses a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning inside of your garage and home.)

WaterOne has additional tips for homeowners to protect their pipes.

1. When temperatures get lower, the risk of house fire is higher. When using additional heating elements inside of your home such as space heaters, heated blankets, and fireplaces, pay extra attention. Plug heating elements directly into the wall, not an extension cord or power strip, and keep a minimum of three feet of space around heaters and fireplaces. Never use your oven or stove to heat your home.

Chapter II, Article 7 of Spring Hill's municipal code requires pet owners to provide adequate shelter, food, and water. It's best to bring animals inside in severe winter weather, but if your pets are outside for much of the day, you must provide:

• Shelter - Animals need a weatherproof shelter. Raise the floor a few inches off the ground and cover with wood shavings or straw and blankets or towels for additional insulation. Your garage could serve as a shelter for your pets, but it should also be prepared properly. If an exterior door is left open during severe wind chills, your garage will not be much warmer or safer than outside. Include a straw and blanket insulated sleeping area. Ensure your pets cannot get into any dangerous chemicals (including snow melt and antifreeze) in the garage.
• Food - Staying warm burns energy, so animals need to eat more in the winter if they're going to spend extended periods of time out in the cold. Avoid using a metal bowl, as your pet's tongue could stick to it.
• Water - Your pets should have access to fresh and unfrozen water. Check the water dish frequently and replenish as needed. Pet stores sell heated water dishes to prevent freezing.

Salt and other chemicals used to treat snow and ice can irritate and dry out your pet's paw pads. These chemicals are also poisonous if ingested. After they come inside, wipe off their paws with a damp towel to prevent cracking and wounds, and to prevent ingestion of the chemicals if your pet licks their feet.

Animals do love the outdoors for exercise and enrichment, and it's ok to allow them to be outside for shorter periods of time. However, pet owners must monitor their health and provide adequate care to avoid animal neglect charges.

To report concerns about the welfare of an animal, call the Spring Hill Police Department at (913) 592-2700.

Avoid spending much time outside when temperatures drop below 32 degrees. Recognize the signs and symptoms of cold-related illnesses such as hypothermia and frostbite, and seek immediate medical attention when necessary. Refer to the CDC's guidelines on staying safe during winter for more information.