Remember pets as Artic weather sweeps into area

Local residents bracing for an Arctic blast of cold air will likely fire up their furnaces and stay indoors, but public safety officials are also reminding residents to remember their pets when they plan for the bitter cold.

Temperatures are expected to drop well below the freezing point Friday morning, with temperatures plummeting into the teens and 20s throughout the entire region.

Capt. Wendell Hall, a spokesperson for Aiken Public Safety said pet owners should be aware that the type of cold expected to blow in can be dangerous for animals as well as people.

If it is at all possible, bring animals inside, he said.

"Even a garage is adequate protection," he added. "They need shelter and at least some sort of bedding - be it a blanket, straw or hay."

Animal owners need to check on their animals regularly.

"Check their water and food supply," he said. "It will freeze and they can't eat or drink if it's frozen."

Residents who will have to brave the cold are reminded to dress in layers and wear a hat and gloves.

To keep pipes from freezing, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes and keep sink cabinet doors open to allow heat to reach exposed piping.

Temperatures are expected to drop into the low 20s today with a high of 52 degrees.

Expect Friday's high to climb no higher than 40 degrees and overnight temperatures to drop to 20 degrees.

Weekend lows will stay below freezing with highs climbing into the high 40s and low 50s.

Contact Karen Daily at kdaily@aikenstandard.com.