Temperatures are expected to drop drastically this week and with that comes problems from cars,  pipes  and pets. Forecasts from the National Weather Service predict this week’s highs will likely stay in the 40s and lows near 20 through Thursday. As reported in the Rome News Tribune, Dr. Kathy Kinney, a Rome Veterinarian states “If you would be cold yourself standing outside for 30 minutes in shirt sleeves, it’s too cold for an animal to be outside for long periods of time.” She suggested making sure short-haired pets are brought inside on cold nights. While doghouses and outbuildings can help keep pets warm, they’re not enough to fully protect from the cold, Kinney said.  Vehicles can also suffer from a freezing temperatures. Make sure that your car is filled with antifreeze. Antifreeze keeps fluids inside the engine from destroying it when they expand by turning into ice. You can check the freezing point of your antifreeze with a gauge from an auto parts store.To keep your plumbing in working order, let your faucet drip. If you operate using a well pump place a heat emitting light near the pump. Also, wrap exposed pipes to ensure that they do not freeze.  Weather Forecast for this week: Today: A slight chance of flurries before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 42. North wind between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 52.

http://www.romenews-tribune.com/view/full_story/10536919/article-Cold-snap-this-week-threatens-pets–pipes?instance=home_news_lead

Read more: RN-T.com – Cold snap this week threatens pets pipes