What you need to know to stay safe and warm

It's going to be a cold few days in Nova Scotia, withtemperatures that are expected to feel like 30 C. Here are a few things to keep in mind so you stay warm.

Don't let pipes freeze

TrevorWheatley, aplumber in the Halifax area for more than three decades, isadvising people to pay a little upfront if you want to save on an expensive plumbing bill.

The best way to make sure your pipes don't freeze in extreme cold weather is to keep your home warm, he said.

"You're better off to buy some oil and keep nice and toasty warm as opposed to running around with sweaters on trying to save a couple dollars and then have frozen pipes," saidWheatley, who owns TrevorWheatleyPlumbing and Heating.

He said one of the biggest culprits of busted pipes this time of year is an over-reliance on heat pumps. If a heat pump is on, the main hot water heating system may not kick in and could be susceptible to freezing, he said.

Wheatleysuggests turning the heat pump off if the temperature is8 C or below.

Wheatleysaid if you're planning to be away, turn your water off and have a friend or neighbour check in on your property at least once a day.

Keep pets inside

The Nova Scotia SPCA is advising peopleto keep their pets inside.The organization said in a Facebook post Wednesday that it's already overrun with calls of pets outside in the cold weather.

"Due to the number of calls we are receiving, it may help to contact your local police if you see a pet outdoors to quicken response time," read the statement."Any police agency can enforce the animal protection act the same as our officers."

Be prepared on the roads

Cold weather can be especially hard on your vehicle, soCAA recommends making sure your battery is in good shape and your lights work.

Watch the weather before you head out on the road, wear warm clothing that isn't too restricting andbring a winter survival kit in case you get stuck.

If you find yourself off the road during a storm, don't try to shovel your vehicle out in the bitter cold.It's best to wait inside your vehicle so you have shelter.

Recognize frostbite

The Canadian Red Cross has tips on its website for staying safe during extremely cold weather, including recognizing the signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

When it feels like 28 C to 30 C with the wind chill,there's an increased risk to exposed skin, the organization said. Skin can freeze in 10 to 30 minutes.

If you need to be outside, the Red Crosssuggests dressing in layerswith an outer layer that is wind-resistant, keepingyour face, neck and hands coveredand staying active.