How To Prepare For Shreveport-Bossier's Cold Weather Snap

If you haven't looked at the weather forecast for Shreveport-Bossier lately, it's about to get cold. Real cold. Now, I know it's been a bit chilly here lately, but temps will reportedly be dropping down below freezing on Sunday (26 degrees is the current projection) and the daily high won't get out of the 40s until at least Tuesday. Then things will snap back into the 70s...you know, typical Louisiana weather.

However, even though the freezing conditions aren't supposed to last long like when we had to deal with 'Snowmaggedon', we still need to be prepared. The hard freeze could cause pipes to burst, make travel difficult, cause some health issues, etc.. So, a little prep ahead of time can save a lot of headaches down the road.

The big thing experts will tell you is to minimize travel and stay indoors. Not only does it reduce the risk of health concerns like hypothermia and frost bite, but extreme cold plays hell on vehicles. Those concerns could leave you stranded on the side of the highway or cause you to wreck.

Speaking of travel, if you have to go out, be sure to be prepared. Keep your gas tank at least half full to help prevent the tank from freezing (yes, that's a thing that really happens) and be sure that your car has plenty of anti-freeze and that your tires are fully aired up.

It is also a good idea to build yourself a winter survival kit. Some of the items that you should keep in your vehicle are blankets, a coat, gloves, water, food, those handwarmer things hunters use, jumper cables, boots and a shovel. The goal is to have stuff to keep you safe and warm in your car in case you have to mobilize in an emergency situation, you don't want to be walking the highway in flip-flops and a t-shirt when it is literally freezing out.

Another things experts will tell you during these types of conditions is to dress appropriately and to stay dry. Layer up! Flannels, sweaters, coats...but make them a bit loose. A lot of people bundle up so much that they can't move, which is not good. Not only will it make it harder for you to move in an emergency situation but it also restricts blood flow which isn't good.

A rain/wintery mix is also in the forecast. And staying dry can be key to staying healthy and safe. Put up that jean jacket and wear something that's waterproof, water resistant or not as absorbent (like leather, for instance). Wear boots instead of tennis shoes. Anything to keep you dry and toasty, really.