SALISBURY - Delmarva experienced an early taste of winter as temperatures plummet tonight into the teens. Salisbury residents are gearing up to face the late November freeze, and local experts are providing tips on preparing both homes and cars for the cold snap.
Peninsula Total Car Care recommends several measures for car maintenance in cold weather. Motorists are advised to check tire tread, oil, and antifreeze levels. Additionally, they should proactively replace aging components, such as batteries, which are particularly susceptible to the cold.
"You always want to test your battery, especially if your battery's a few years old. Get it tested, always. It doesn't hurt, and you can get a free test almost anywhere. Batteries typically last about 3 years," said Asher Rosen.
Real HVAC Services emphasizes home preparations, including checking oil or propane levels, securing windows, and ensuring proper insulation to minimize heating bills. For those turning off their heat that won't be home, draining water-related systems is advised to prevent pipes freezing.
“If you’re turning the heat off, drain the sprinklers, drain everything in the house that has water on it. Keeping your thermostat in the 50’s should keep anything from freezing up.”
At the local shelter, HALO, preparations are underway for an expected increase in occupants seeking refuge from the cold. The shelter is serving hot meals and stocking up on blankets and pillows.
"We're, you know, just trying to take in as many as we can take in just to keep them out of the cold," said Celeste Savage from HALO.
And as winter arrives early, HALO encourages volunteer participation during cold nights when the shelter expects to accommodate nearly 100 individuals.
