Cold Snap Checklist

It's getting cold out there!

With overnight temperatures plunging into the 30s this week, residents are  preparing themselves and their homes for the freezing conditions. If you haven't yet, here are some tips:

Protect the Plants

At Garden Center on Diablo Road, business has been brisk with customers picking up supplies to protect plants and landscaping. Linda, who has worked at the nursery for five years, says customers are picking up supplies such as WiltStop, burlap, micropore plastic, insulating blankets, shredded or bark mulch and Cloud Cover anti-transpirant.

She says it's important to make sure plants are well watered and not in distress to begin with, since the cold temperatures will stress the plant further. Another tip she shared was when using a frost cloth on plants such as citrus trees, not to cover all the way to the ground. Allow a few feet above the ground for air to circulate. A friend suggested using a bedsheet if you can't get to the nursery.

Protect the Pipes

You don't want burst pipes, particularly on a frigid morning during a holiday week.

Water frozen inside exposed pipes and water lines expands, which can crack and break them. EBMUD recommends wrapping exposed parts with insulating materials. It cautions against leaving water on.

Since it was unseasonably hot recently, you might not have prepped your irrigation systems yet. EBMUD also suggests shutting off automatic irrigation valves leading to sprinklers. Once you turn off the water-supply valve, use the timer to run each section to empty the water from lines and pipes.

Protect the Pets

Don't forget about the pets. Bring them in or make sure they have cover, food and a water source.

Prepare for Power Outages

Make sure the extra blankets are out, and flashlights (with charged batteries) are handy. If you have a propane barbecue, have a full tank for cooking or to heat water. Consider having an extra tank on hand, too.

If you have a wood-burning stove or fireplace, stocking up on firewood also is a good measure in case power is interrupted.

Double D Firewood in Danville has been locally owned and operated by a father and son team since 2005, and is named for their shared first name—Dan. They focus specifically on meeting the firewood needs of the Danville, San Ramon and Alamo communities.

They generally sell by the cord or half-cord, but are happy to work with the customer flexibly, according to Dan Sr.

He says they will deliver free within 25 miles of Danville, and will stack for a fee. They offer pure oak, as well as "The Mix," including oak and other hardwoods along with cedar, pine, elm and ash.

Cuddle up with your loved ones, enjoy the fireplace and the cold with a hot cup of cider.

To order from Double D Firewood call 510-220-1088 or e-mail doubledfirewood@comcast.net.

For more information about troubleshooting cold temperatures and plants, visit Sloat's blog.