Mississippi Gulf Coast preps for cold; experts urge to protect four P’s

BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) – With temperatures forecast to drop below freezing overnight, residents took action to combat the cold on Monday.

With the big chill setting in until midweek, both the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and Mississippi Power posted reminders on social media about the importance of protecting the “Four P’s” – people, pets, plants, and pipes.

The following tips are recommended to keep everyone safe and warm:

• Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially those with special needs and the elderly.
• Bring pets indoors. Remember, it’s a Mississippi law for pet owners to provide adequate shelter.
• Insulate or wrap exposed water pipes. Keep water dripping to avoid freezing.
• Cover any outdoor plants or bring them inside.

Pine Hills Nursery Manager Rachel Bond told WLOX that it’s not too late to bring plants inside.

“Yes, if you can bring the plant indoors, we do recommend that because you can control the environment and it is much warmer,” Bond said. “If it is something permanent that you can’t bring in, then we recommend covering it with a soft layer like a blanket or sheet and then plastic or tarp over that.”

“Then once temperatures are above freezing the next day you can go ahead and remove that,” she continued. “You don’t want to leave it covered for several days in a row. You want to uncover it and cover it again if you have to.”

The EMA also stressed the importance of preparing a “go-kit” for the vehicle, containing the following items:

• First Aid Kit
• Flashlight
• Battery Radio
• Jumper Cables
• Blanket
• Water & Non-perishable Food
• Playing Cards
• Extra Fuel
• Power Bank
• Ice Scraper

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