As of now the advance of Winter Storm Elliot is not expected to bring any frozen stuff to the southern half of Arkansas, but extremely cold temperatures are all but certain to arrive Thursday starting around noon with a low Friday morning expected to bottom out at eight degrees. With that in mind, there are some tips to prepare your home for these conditions, provided by The Weather Channel:

• For pets, bring them inside. Furry creatures have no defense against below-freezing temperatures.

• For the pipes, make sure all the water is drained from outdoor faucets and cover them from the elements. Also insulate pipes in unheated rooms inside the home.

• For plants, cover them up if they’re planted in the ground. Otherwise, bring them indoors.

• For people, do not go out with skin exposed. Check on neighbors. And don’t overexert yourself outdoors.

• For cars and trucks, leave no more than half a gallon of gas in your tanks. Make sure your car is using a winter anti-freeze and windshield wiper fluid. Be aware that cold temperatures can cause weak batteries to go dead. Keep an emergency kit in your car if you plan to travel long-distance that includes battery jumper cables, an ice scraper, a portable shovel, an extra cellphone charger, a blanket, a flashlight, first-aid kit, gloves, flat tire supplies, nonperishable food and bottled water.

• Leave your thermostat at 65 degrees if you plan to leave your home during the cold snap.

Sources:

“A Quick Plan to Prepare Your Home for a Cold Snap”  The Weather Channel  December 19, 2022.

“Be Prepared with a Winter Car Emergency Kit”  Consumer Reports

“What You Need to Do Before It Gets Ridiculously Cold” The Weather Channel  December 19, 2022.