Cold weather hacks for freezing temps headed to the Borderland

It’s time to bundle up in the Borderland. Near freezing temperatures are expected for Monday night. Below freezing for the next few nights. The highs during the day are predicted to be around 40 degrees and the wind chill factor could make it feel like the teens outside.

ABC-7 caught up with Ace Hardware employee Alex Toribio pushing carts outside the store in south central El Paso.

“Tonight, it is really cold. I’ve been pushing carts as fast as I can so I can stay inside for a little bit longer,” Torbio said.

Shopper Angela Talvera and her young son were bundled up as they entered nearby Food City to buy ingredients for hot chocolate.

“He has two pants and then like a sweater and the beanie. He’s just missing the gloves because I couldn’t find them,” Talvera said.

Inside the Ace Hardware, employees have set up a cold weather prep station at the center of the store.

Employee Carlos Moran has been busy helping people prepare for the cold snap.

“Pipes need to be covered up because the insulation is going to help you a lot in the long run. So, we have different sizes for all kinds of coverings. For PVC, for copper for iron you name it,” Moran said.

Moran also has a suggestion for those who can’t get out to buy pipe insulation.

“Here we have insulation tape, it’s metal repair tape actually. But people use this to wrap up the pipe with the insulation, it’s perfect also,” Moran said.

Moran said it’s important for homeowners not to forget about their outdoor faucets. There are covers people can buy for those as well.

“These run $2.49. And this one you just put in on the faucet, cover it up and tie it up. It’s perfect and it will keep it from freezing,” Moran said.

That covers the first P in the 3 cold weather Ps — pipes, plants and pets.

The store is also selling lots of heaters, filters and kerosene.

Don’t forget your outdoor plants. Moran says reusable plant covers are very popular.

“They are all winter frost covers for all plants and shrubs. These cost $12.99 and these will protect your plants from the cold elements, from zero temperatures to teens,” Moran said.

No plant covers, no problem. Moran has a hack for you.

“If you got trash bags, cover them up with trash bags. So long as they don’t have that cold freeze on them, it will be perfect. So if you have moving plastic or trash bags cover them up and they will work great,” Moran said.

Moran has that last P covered as well.

“Oh your pets, yes, bring in your pets. No matter what bring them inside. If you are cold they are cold. So, bring in your pet no matter what kind of pet , how big how small, if you really love them bring them inside,” Moran said.