Preparing for Cold Weather: With the cold weather here, it is always important to make sure that you are prepared, especially before that first big freeze hits. This includes preparing your house, your plants and even your pets and livestock.

One of the worse things that can happen during a freeze is when you step outside only to realize your have a busted water pipe that froze overnight. This can be a huge frustration and hassle to deal with, first thing in the morning. I firmly believe it is so much easier to prevent this from happening, than having to deal with it – especially when you have livestock to tend to first thing in the morning.

I always recommend wrapping any exterior water pipes with insulation, blankets, or even newspaper. Make sure you don’t forget pipes in crawl spaces too. When prepping for a freeze, always remember to disconnect any hoses from pipes and to let water trickle from and facets that might freeze. In the event that a pipe does burst, make sure you are able to turn off your main water supply quickly and easily.

Aside from prepping your pipes, always make sure you can keep your pets and livestock warm during cold weather. This can include buying shavings and straw for dog houses and stalls. In addition, heat lamps for chickens and smaller pets. I do always use caution when using a heat lamp. If they aren’t used correctly, they can pose a huge fire hazard – especially in the barn.

Here at Arcola Feed, we try to always have everything you need to help prepare for the cold. For example, shavings and pipe insulation. And, in the event in which you do have a pipe bust, we do carry plumbing supplies as well.

In conclusion, visit us when Preparing for Cold Weather! We are open Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. In addition, Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit us at 6215 FM 521 Arcola, Texas 77583 or contact us 281-431-1014. Stop in and ask What Does the Post-Drought Market Mean for Cattle Producers?