LAS VEGAS - The valley will be under a freeze warning Friday that is expected to last several days. Homeowners are urged to take steps to protect their plants, pipes and pets.
Pipes can burst, and plants can die in freezing temperatures. Professionals at the Springs Preserve say there are some easy steps homeowners can take.
Wrap any outdoor plumbing with a towel or cover it with a bucket. To protect your pool equipment, keep the pump running so the water doesn't freeze. When protecting larger trees, make sure to cover where the branches jut from the trunk.
It's not too late to take any of these steps to protect your property.
"That's a quick way. You can just go out, cover your materials, protect them and then you'll want to take them off during the day when it warms up and becomes 50 degrees or whatever," said Springs Preserve horticulturist Pete Duncombe. "You don't necessarily want to leave them covered."
If your plants are covered by burlap, it's not going to harm your plants if you leave them covered all weekend.
Las Vegas Fire and Rescue also offers tips to keep your home safe during the cold. They say move anything that's flammable away from heat sources like furnaces or stoves. This is the time of year when they see a rise in the number of house fires caused by heating devices.
Animal shelters are also asking pet owners to bring their pets inside this weekend - even if it's in the garage or the laundry room. The founder of Those Left Behind Foundation says it will prevent your pets from getting sick or dying in the cold.
If you have a doggy door, and you leave the water bowl outside, make sure that doesn't freeze so your pets can stay hydrated.
Sweaters on your pets might look cool, but if it's expected to rain, your pet could be trapped in a coat of ice.
The hard freeze isn't something Las Vegas sees very often, and domesticated animals will not be prepared.
"Their fur has a lining on them that basically protects the barrier, but their bodies are not used to this," said Rae Erickson with Those Left Behind Foundation. "If a dog is raised in Alaska, it's used to Alaska, but the dogs here are not used to this type of weather."
Another important tip to make your pets happy is to play with them. Even if it's for 30 minutes, playtime will get your pets' blood pumping and keep them warm.
Pipes can burst in freezing temperatures.
