Preparing for a Freeze in Texas
Freezing temperatures in Texas can arrive unexpectedly and cause widespread damage, particularly in homes and businesses that are not built for prolonged cold. Taking preventative measures ahead of time can help protect property, lower repair costs, and keep your loved ones safe.
Protect Plumbing and Water Lines
Frozen and broken pipes are two of the most common and expensive problems that happen when it gets too cold. Use foam sleeves or heat tape to cover pipes that are exposed in garages, attics, and outside walls. If you can, unplug outdoor hoses and turn off water supplies that come from outside. When it's really cold outside, let the faucets inside drip a little to keep the water moving and stop pressure from building up in the pipes.
Weatherproof Your Home
Use caulk or weather stripping to fill in cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and foundations. This will keep cold air out. Even if you leave the house, keep your thermostat set to the same temperature day and night. Open the doors of the cabinets under the sinks so that warm air can move around the plumbing that is close to the outside walls.
Prepare Heating Systems and Appliances
Have your heating system inspected and serviced before freezing weather arrives. Replace air filters and ensure vents are clear. If you use space heaters, follow safety guidelines—keep them away from flammable materials and never leave them unattended. Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, as heating equipment increases fire and CO risks.
Safeguard Roofs and Outdoor Areas
Check your roof for broken shingles, flashing, or seals that could let water in when the temperature goes up and down. Make sure that ice melts properly by clearing out your gutters and downspouts. Cut back tree branches that are close to your house to lower the chance of ice-covered branches breaking and hurting someone.
Prepare for Power Outages
Freezing temperatures in Texas can put a strain on the power grid, which can cause outages. Make sure your emergency kit has flashlights, batteries, blankets, bottled water, and food that won't go bad. If you use a generator, do so outside and away from windows. Think about getting backup power for important devices or medical equipment.
Protect Vehicles and Businesses
Before it gets cold, check the antifreeze level, tire pressure, and battery health of your car. When you can, park your car in a garage. Protecting plumbing, going over emergency plans, and knowing how insurance works are all things that business owners should do if operations are interrupted by freezing temperatures.
Conclusion
Preparing for a freeze in Texas requires planning and early action. By protecting plumbing, securing your home, and preparing for power disruptions, you can reduce damage and recover more quickly when freezing weather strikes.
