Last Monday morning hit different — I woke up shivering like I was in Chicago, not Mississippi. The cold was that kind that bites through your hoodie and makes you question every life choice that led you out of bed. I should have had a fire going before sunrise, a hoodie over my pajamas, and I probably still couldn’t get warm. That’s when it hit me—this winter isn’t gonna play around. And from the looks of it, it’s only going to get worse. So before the chill really settles in, let’s talk about what you can do now to keep your house, your car, and your peace of mind from freezing over.
First things first—protect your pipes. I know nobody wants to drip the faucets because it feels like wasting water, but trust me, a little drip is cheaper than a full-blown plumbing disaster. When temperatures dip below freezing, running your faucets—especially those on exterior walls—keeps water moving and prevents the pipes from freezing solid. Open up those cabinet doors under your sinks, too, so warm air can circulate around the pipes. If you live in an older home or one that’s not heavily insulated, wrapping your pipes with insulation foam is worth every penny.
Now let’s talk about your car. Don’t wait until the morning frost bites to start thinking about it. Make it a habit to start your car early on cold mornings. Letting it idle for a few minutes warms up the engine and keeps fluids flowing properly. Check your battery now, because the cold can kill a weak one faster than you can say “jump cables.” Make sure your antifreeze levels are good, and if you’re driving long distances, keep an emergency kit in your trunk—blankets, water, snacks, jumper cables, and maybe even a small shovel. It’s better to be the one who’s overprepared than the one calling AAA in 20-degree weather.
Inside the house, don’t ignore the small stuff. Weather stripping around doors and windows can make a huge difference in keeping your home warm without sending your electric bill through the roof. If you feel a draft, fix it now. And let’s be honest—most of us in the South aren’t used to consistent cold weather, so check those space heaters before you plug them in. Make sure cords aren’t frayed, and never leave them running while you sleep or leave the house. Safety first, always.
Another big one—know your thermostat strategy. When it’s bitterly cold, it’s tempting to crank the heat up high, but that can backfire when the system has to work overtime. A steady, moderate temperature keeps your house comfortable and reduces the chance of a system breakdown. If you’re leaving town for the holidays, don’t cut the heat off completely—keep it at least around 55 degrees to protect your pipes and prevent that awful surprise of returning home to a frozen mess.
And while we’re at it, let’s remember that community matters, too. Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly or anyone living alone. Make sure they’ve got heat, working smoke detectors, and enough blankets. We tend to think about winter prep as just personal responsibility, but sometimes being a good neighbor is part of weathering the storm, too.
This winter might not be kind, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be smart about it. Prepare now so you’re not panicking later. Because when the cold hits Mississippi hard—and it will—you’ll be glad you took those extra steps to keep your pipes, your car, and yourself from freezing up. After all, there’s nothing wrong with staying ready.
