Artic Blast

By The Scribe

As an Arctic blast sweeps across Central Florida this January, Volusia County is bracing for a rare period of freezing temperatures. With lows expected to dip into the upper 20s and low 30s, it is vital for residents to prepare their homes, protect their "outdoor" family members, and know where to find warmth.

​Here is your guide to navigating the freeze in Volusia County.

​1. Protecting Your Pipes

​In Florida, many water pipes are located in uninsulated areas like attics, garages, or crawl spaces, making them vulnerable to bursting when the water inside expands into ice.

​The "Drip" Rule: Let your cold water faucets drip slightly, especially those on exterior walls. Moving water is much harder to freeze.

​Open Cabinet Doors: Keep kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open to allow the home’s heat to circulate around the plumbing.

​Insulate Exposed Lines: Wrap outdoor spigots and any exposed pipes with foam sleeves or even old towels/blankets secured with duct tape.

​Irrigation Systems: Turn off your automatic sprinklers. Frozen water in the lines can damage the sprinkler heads and valves.

​2. Caring for Pets & Plants

​If you are cold, they are cold. High winds and freezing air can be lethal to tropical landscaping and pets accustomed to the Florida heat.

​For Pets:

​Bring them inside: The safest place for any pet is indoors.

​Check paws and bedding: If pets must stay in a garage, ensure they have elevated, thick bedding away from drafts.

​Be aware of local laws: Florida law requires adequate shelter for animals during extreme weather; failing to bring pets in during a freeze can result in citations.

​For Plants:

​Cover up: Use burlap, old bedsheets, or "frost blankets." Avoid using plastic directly touching the foliage, as it can trap moisture and cause "ice burn."

​Water before the freeze: Moist soil absorbs more solar radiation during the day and stays warmer at night than dry soil.

​Mulch: A thick layer of mulch can help insulate the root systems of your more sensitive shrubs.

​3. Warm Shelters in Volusia County

​For those without adequate heating, several community organizations have activated emergency shelters for the nights of Monday, Jan. 26 through Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026.

Check-in: Most shelters begin intake at 6:30 PM and close at 8:00 AM the following morning.

​Transportation: If you need help getting to a shelter, Votran often provides free transportation to designated sites during emergency activations. You can contact them at 386-322-5100.

​Stay Informed

​The situation can change quickly. For the most up-to-date information on shelter openings and weather alerts, download the Volusia County Emergency Management app.

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