As fall sets in and temperatures begin to drop, residents of Illinois should stay vigilant for Freeze Warnings, which indicate that significant freezing temperatures are on the way.

We were wondering when fall might arrive... and it arrived in full force!  Luckily, there's no snow or freezing rain just yet so that's a plus in my book.

"Widespread low temperatures will also dip below average for this time of year and into the 30s, creating the potential for some places to see their first frost or freeze of this fall season." [newsweek]

Starting in just a few hours, freezing temps could make its way through Illinois.  What does this mean and how can we prepare?

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What To Do: How To Prepare For A Freeze Warning In Illinois

Let's find out how to protect our homes, outdoor plants, and ourselves.

1. Insulate Your Home: Seal any drafts around windows and doors.  Use weatherstripping or caulk to ensure warm air stays inside.  This is key!

2. Protect Outdoor Plants: Bring any potted plants indoors or cover them with blankets or burlap to shield them from the cold.  If you love your plant babies, make sure they're protected!

3. Winterize Your Plumbing: To prevent pipes from freezing or bursting, let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold.  My landlord always reminds me to do this!  Keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.

4. Stock Emergency Supplies: This is pretty extreme, but in case of power outages, keep flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food on hand.

If you procrastinated like I always do, it's never too late to freeze-proof your home!  Temps might not affect you this time around, but you never know when that time will arrive.

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