NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) – Preparing for the cold weather means, protecting pipes, plants, and people. WGNO News Reporter Darian Trotter found folks doing just that.
Tree branches and mounted flags are being put through their paces as strong winds and winter weather move in.
We caught up with Mike Mahone and the little one outside Lowe’s. He’s preparing to protect his pipes.
“I think we’re ready. We got the piping and once we put that on I think we outta be good to go. Most of it’s still wrapped from last year; so it’s just finishing up this year,” Mahone said.
The area is preparing for cold snap that will span several days.
Overnight temperatures Wednesday are expected to dip well below freezing.
It’s creating a rush on warm bed for the homeless at the New Orleans Mission.
“It’s a 24/7 next couple of days where normally we may get some breaks in between. There are not a lot of breaks,” Executive Director David Bottner said.
The Mission is expecting between 300 to 400 men and women; and there are enough beds and cots to accommodate them.
An outreach team has been hard at work convincing people who live on the street to take advantage of the shelter.
“They go out and really start inviting people in, tell them how dangerous it is, how cold it’s going to be tonight, encourage them to come get clothes, service and take advantage of every opportunity that’s afforded to them by the New Orleans Mission and or another organization that does what we do,” Bottner said.
At Perino’s Home and Garden Center in Metairie empty tables say it all.
Staffers here moved precious plants inside to protect them from the cold.
“We have two large heaters that will heat this large greenhouse and keep all these plants nice and warm through tonight and probably tomorrow,” General Manager Tucker Bantom said.
He says plants should also be protected at your home. He suggests using a cloth or a sheet.
“No plastic. Plastic is going to burn the plant so you want to lay the cloth down first,” Bantom added.
“My wife and I are wrapping the plants and covering the pipes so I think we outta be good to go after that,” Mahone added.
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