Although the average temperature in Southern California is known to balance between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, winter can still happen. Cold weather spikes occur three to four times during the season and can leave homeowners nervous about where this puts them. Sure, they don’t have to winterize their home like their Northern friends have to, but this doesn’t mean they never face the cold.
Temperature Dips
Three to four times every winter, the weather jumps down to 30 degrees. This timing can be over days and usually leaves rolling blackouts in its wake. If a temperature dip is on the horizon, it’s good to be as prepared as possible.
Ensure that you have enough blankets and food for a couple of days. If you can, try to get as much bottled water as necessary. Think in terms of one gallon of water per person per day. If the power goes out, or there’s a boil notice, this water can be a lifesaver. If your windows are drafty, attempt to seal them with tape and trash bags. It might be ugly, but it will keep the cold out.
If the temperature is supposed to drop below 32 degrees, you should leave your tap running on a thin stream. Running water is less likely to freeze and could keep your pipes from bursting. Most Southern California lines aren’t built to hold up against ice and freezing, and a burst pipe could send water flooding through your entire home.
Occasional Frost
Although a freeze isn’t widespread, a frost can be! There is a handful of steps anyone who owns a home in Southern California should do. First of all, ensure that you have an ice scraper in your vehicle at all times. Never pour hot water on ice, especially not on a car’s windshield, as that will crack it and cause it to explode.
Although they’re beautiful, if you look at Los Angeles homes for sale, you’ll notice nearly every yard has succulents and cacti that take up a lot of the lawn. If you want your plants to survive the freeze, you must take the time to cover them with tarps or other plastic that will work as a makeshift greenhouse. If your plants are in pots, bring them in and keep them somewhere that still gets sunlight.
Extra Rain
Winter can often bring more rain to the area than is expected. Although Southern California is relatively dry, this rain isn’t always welcome. Too much rain on dry and cold soil can quickly cause flooding and landslides, putting homeowners and their property in danger.
If you know you’re in an area at risk for landslides, you should keep an emergency bag somewhere in your home. This bag should include passports, a change of clothes, and other items you’d need in an emergency, like a flashlight and an external battery for your phone. In an emergency, you won’t be able to save everything, so you must have everything you need in a place where you can access it.
