It gets down to the high 20's maybe once a year. Lake Pontchartrain is to our North and the water holds a lot of heat, so the cold air is warmed somewhat when it goes over the water. It has to get below freezing for about 4+ hours to cause damage to the non-tropical plants. I make sure I don't buy tropicals.
One of the best things I have found to cover plants with is a flannel backed plastic tablecloth. The plastic keeps the flannel dry, the flannel keeps the plant warm and keeps the leaves from freezing where they touch the tablecloth. Usually can pick up some fairly cheap at the seasonal closeout sales. Just pin them every which way with clothes pins.
I wrap the the faucets with a face/wash rag and a bread bag around that, tied up with string. The water line into the house has the insulating tubing on it.