Freezing temperatures are set to hit Houston Saturday evening into Sunday Morning and will continue till Tuesday the 22nd of January. The cold weather is set to dip below 30 degrees. As a result of low temperatures, parts of Houston, especially in northwest of the City, will experience a light freeze this evening. Cold weather can pose a danger to the health and safety of Houston residents and proper care should be taken to reduce exposure to these conditions.

Additionally, a Wind Advisory is possble.

When cold weather occurs, Houstonians should remember to protect the Four 'P's: People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants.

People

• Dress in warm, layered clothing, including gloves, a coat, and a hat when you are outside.

• Never leave children or the elderly in vehicles during cold weather, as they can act as refrigerators and expose anyone inside to sub-freezing temperatures.

• Never use a generator, grill, camp-stove, or any gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning device to heat your home (or any enclosed area). These devices can generate carbon monoxide, which can't be seen or smelled, but is deadly.

Pets

• Protect your pets by ensuring that they have a warm, safe place to sleep. The best place for a pet to sleep is in a heated environment.

• Do not shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth.

• Never leave your animal in a car during cold weather. Cars can act as refrigerators in the winter, holding in the cold and causing animals to freeze to death.

For more cold-weather tips for pets, visit the page in the following link from the ASPCA: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/cold-weather-tips.aspx

Pipes

• While generally, pipes don't freeze until temperatures hit the mid 20s, its important to make sure you're prepared and have proper insulation ready to go.

• During cold weather, pipes may freeze and rupture, causing water leaks and damage to your home. Protect your home by opening the cabinets under kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow air from your home's heater to warm the pipes under the sink. Let faucets drip - as moving water freezes more slowly than still water.

• Insulate outdoor faucets and pipes with insulation or newspaper, and be sure to disconnect and drain hoses from outdoor spigots.

Plants

• Protect plants from freezing by covering them with plant-cover fabric, or a light blanket with plastic sheeting on top of it.

• Be sure to group potted plants together, and near the edge of a building. Remember that soil in containers can get just as cold as the air temperature, and cause the roots to freeze, even if the above-surface leafs survive.

For up-to-date weather information, visit the National Weather Service Houston/Galveston forecast office website at weather.gov/houston.

For updates on this situation, visit the City of Houston Emergency Information Site at houstontx.gov/emergency.