Tips From Cold Weather Veteran Steve Wiley

I've lived in Acadiana virtually all my adult life, but I'm not a native. I grew up in Lewis County, NY. It gets REAL cold there. We're expecting freezing temperatures in Acadiana later this week.

That can cause major headaches if you're not prepared. A few things are obvious. Don't leave your pets & plants outdoors. Wrap, or drain any exposed water pipes.

Cold weather can do costly damage to your car. Make sure your antifreeze is good to go. You can use a hydrometer. Auto parts stores have them. If there's ice on your windshield, DON'T pour hot water on it. You'll be in the market for a new windshield. It's best to scrape it off. Scrapers are available at auto parts stores.

You can't tell a road is iced by looking at it. Do everything much more slowly than normal. Leave twice as much room as normal to stop.