Frost/Freeze

Q: How do I protect my plants from frost?

Frost-sensitive plants can be saved with preparation: Cover plants with cloth (old sheets, burlap, frost cloth) — NOT plastic, which traps moisture and damages plants Drape covers to the ground and secure edges with rocks or soil to trap earth warmth Water plants before a freeze — wet soil holds heat better than dry soil (sounds counterintuitive but works) Move potted plants indoors or into a garage Add mulch around the base of plants for root insulation (3-4 inches) Remove covers during the day when temperatures rise above freezing so plants can get light and air. Repeat each night as needed. Tropical and citrus plants are most vulnerable.

Q: How do I keep my pets safe in freezing weather?

Pets are vulnerable to cold just like people: Bring all pets indoors — no exceptions when temperatures are below freezing If outdoor shelter is truly necessary, provide an insulated, elevated shelter with a door flap, dry bedding, and a heated water bowl Short-haired breeds, puppies, senior dogs, and cats are at highest risk Wipe paws after walks — road salt and ice melt chemicals are toxic if licked Check under your car hood before starting — outdoor cats climb into engine compartments for warmth Keep antifreeze locked up — it tastes sweet to animals and is lethal in tiny amounts A good rule: if it's too cold for you to stand outside comfortably, it's too cold for your pet.

Frozen pipes cause over $1 billion in property damage each winter

8 things to do before · 8 steps during · 8 after · 5 questions answered

Last updated 2026-09-25. Written by Project Trinetra, a program of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Unravel The Love. It is not an official government publication and does not replace instructions from your local emergency authorities.

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Before — Prepare for Frost and Freezing

Frost and freeze events threaten pipes, plants, pets, and vulnerable people.

#	Do this
1	Insulate exposed pipes (outdoor faucets, garage, crawl space)
2	Cover frost-sensitive plants or bring potted plants indoors
3	Service heating system before cold season
4	Seal gaps around doors, windows, and pipe entry points
5	Prepare warm shelter for outdoor pets
6	Disconnect garden hoses and shut off outdoor water valves
7	Stock extra blankets in case of power outage
8	Know which faucets to drip during hard freeze

During — During a Frost/Freeze Event

Protect pipes, plants, pets, and people from dangerous cold.

#	Step
1	Let faucets drip slowly to prevent pipe freezing — both hot and cold lines
2	Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air reach pipes
3	Keep home heated to at least 55°F even if you are away
4	Bring all pets indoors — do NOT leave them outside
5	Cover plants with cloth (not plastic) or bring them inside
6	Dress in layers if you must go outside — cover extremities
7	Check on elderly or disabled neighbors who may need help
8	If pipes freeze: open faucet and apply gentle heat with hair dryer (never open flame)

After — After Frost/Freeze Passes

Thawing can cause as much damage as the freeze itself.

#	Step
1	Check for burst pipes as temperatures rise — listen for running water
2	Know how to shut off your main water valve in case of burst pipe
3	Inspect outdoor faucets and irrigation systems for damage
4	Remove plant covers once temperatures rise above freezing
5	Check vehicle fluids — antifreeze, windshield washer, tire pressure
6	Replenish supplies for the next freeze event
7	Document any property damage for insurance
8	Report broken water mains or road damage to authorities

Supplies specific to this hazard

Pipe insulation sleeves and heat tape
Extra blankets and warm clothing
Space heater (electric, not propane indoors)
Plant covers or burlap
Flashlights and batteries (power outages common)

Questions people ask

How do I prevent my pipes from freezing overnight?

Frozen pipes can burst and cause thousands in water damage. Prevention:

Let faucets drip — both hot and cold lines. Even a slow trickle prevents freezing.
Open cabinet doors under sinks (especially on exterior walls) to let warm air reach pipes
Keep your thermostat at 55°F or higher, even if you're away
Insulate exposed pipes in attics, crawl spaces, and garages with foam sleeves ($1-3 per 6-ft section)
Disconnect garden hoses and close indoor shut-off valves to outdoor faucets
Seal gaps around pipes where they enter the home — cold air finds these openings

If a pipe does freeze: Open the faucet and apply gentle heat with a hair dryer or warm towels. Never use an open flame.

Frost/Freeze preparation checklist →

What are the signs of frostbite?

Frostbite is tissue damage from freezing. Know the progression:

Frostnip (early, reversible):

Skin turns red and feels very cold
Tingling and numbness
Treatment: Gradually rewarm with body heat — hands in armpits, warm (not hot) water

Frostbite (serious, needs medical attention):

Skin turns white, grayish-yellow, or waxy
Feels hard or rubbery to the touch
Complete numbness — no pain (dangerous sign)
Blisters form when rewarming

What to do: Get indoors. Remove wet clothing. Warm affected areas in warm (not hot) water (100-105°F). Do NOT rub frostbitten skin. Do NOT walk on frostbitten feet. Seek medical attention immediately for anything beyond frostnip.

Full Frost/Freeze guide — before, during and after →

How do I protect my plants from frost?

Frost-sensitive plants can be saved with preparation:

Cover plants with cloth (old sheets, burlap, frost cloth) — NOT plastic, which traps moisture and damages plants
Drape covers to the ground and secure edges with rocks or soil to trap earth warmth
Water plants before a freeze — wet soil holds heat better than dry soil (sounds counterintuitive but works)
Move potted plants indoors or into a garage
Add mulch around the base of plants for root insulation (3-4 inches)

Remove covers during the day when temperatures rise above freezing so plants can get light and air. Repeat each night as needed. Tropical and citrus plants are most vulnerable.

Frost/Freeze preparation checklist →

At what temperature should I drip faucets?

Start dripping faucets when the forecast calls for 28°F (-2°C) or below for an extended period (several hours or overnight).

More specifically:

32°F or below: High risk for uninsulated exterior pipes
28°F or below: Drip all faucets, open cabinets, keep heat at 55°F+
20°F or below: Maximum precautions — even well-insulated pipes can freeze

Which faucets to drip:

All faucets on exterior walls
Both hot and cold lines
Kitchen and bathroom sinks

The drip doesn't need to be fast — a slow, steady drip is enough. The moving water prevents ice from forming in the pipe.

Full Frost/Freeze guide — before, during and after →

How do I keep my pets safe in freezing weather?

Pets are vulnerable to cold just like people:

Bring all pets indoors — no exceptions when temperatures are below freezing
If outdoor shelter is truly necessary, provide an insulated, elevated shelter with a door flap, dry bedding, and a heated water bowl
Short-haired breeds, puppies, senior dogs, and cats are at highest risk
Wipe paws after walks — road salt and ice melt chemicals are toxic if licked
Check under your car hood before starting — outdoor cats climb into engine compartments for warmth
Keep antifreeze locked up — it tastes sweet to animals and is lethal in tiny amounts

A good rule: if it's too cold for you to stand outside comfortably, it's too cold for your pet.

Full Frost/Freeze guide — before, during and after →

Quick facts

Start dripping faucets when temps drop below 28°F — both hot and cold lines.
Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to let warm air reach pipes.
Cover frost-sensitive plants with cloth (not plastic) — drape to the ground to trap earth warmth.
Check under your car hood before starting in freezing weather — cats climb in for warmth.
Antifreeze tastes sweet to pets and is lethal in tiny amounts — keep it locked up.

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