Cold Weather Safety in Florida

All Hazards Guide in Web Format!

Although Southwest Florida basks in a subtropical climate most of the year, occasional arctic cold fronts can invade the area causing frosts and/or freezes.  Damage to vegetable and citrus crops are the most common results.  Contact your County Extension services for more information.

Personal cold weather tips:

• Dress in layered clothing and wear some kind of head cover.
• Keep pets inside; when necessary to walk them, do so on the grass, not the cold sidewalk.
• Protect livestock and other animals with adequate shelter, extra feed and supplemental heat.
• Bring potted plants inside.
• Cover outdoor plants with burlap or cloth.  Cold will penetrate plastic.
• Check space heaters for sufficient ventilation.
• Never place space heaters close to flammable objects, such as drapes or bedding.
• Make sure fireplace flues are working properly.
• Check extension cords for breaks or fraying.
• Do not use charcoal or gas grills indoors.  They produce deadly carbon monoxide fumes.
• Check on the elderly and infirmed.

• St. Matthew's House, Airport Road in East Naples
• Friendship House, Main Street in Immokalee

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