Freeze Event Coming – Winterize your Home

A strong cold front is expected beginning this Friday, January 23^rd and into next week, ushering in our coldest temperatures of the season so far. Sub-freezing temperatures will be possible all the way to the Gulf Coast Saturday & Sunday night with a hard freeze possible for parts of the Houston area. It is important to remember that Winter Storm Uri struck in mid-February of 2021, catching many residents off guard. Cold weather can return quickly and unexpectedly. It is not too late to winterize if you haven’t already.

Freezing temperatures can cause water pipes to freeze and burst, leading to costly repairs and water damage. A few simple steps can help protect your home and family:

• Cover outdoor faucets and your sprinkler backflow preventer. You can purchase covers for these at hardware stores or online, or simply use towels with paper bags, duct tape, and/or zip ties. Also disconnect and drain outdoor hoses.
• Insulate exposed pipes in attics, garages, and exterior walls. Use foam pipe insulation or pool noodles, then wrap with duct tape.
• Let inside faucets drip during freezing weather to keep water moving. Only a tiny amount is needed to drip from each faucet.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate.
• Know where your home’s main water shut-off valve is in case of an emergency such as water pipe bursts. If your water pipes do burst during a freeze, shutoff the main water valve and contact a local plumber to repair it.
• Prepare for outages by stocking up on non-perishable food, water, and medications for at least 3 days. Ensure you have warm clothing and blankets. Make sure you have an updated first aid kit, fuel for generators, and fill up your car’s gas tank.
• Bring pets indoors during cold weather. Keep their time outside limited and bundle them up!

Stay informed by keeping an eye on the weather forecast. National Weather Service forecast is here: Weather.gov.

Taking these precautions now can help protect your home and family if another cold snap occurs. Stay prepared and don’t wait until temperatures drop again!