Cold front. Warm home. You've got this.
Texas winters have a way of surprising everyone. From protecting your pipes and preparing for power outages to keeping your family safe, here's your guide to getting ready before temperatures drop.
Winter is coming.
Texas edition.
A little ice can cause a lot of trouble. Frozen pipes, icy roads and unexpected power outages can turn a cold front into a major headache.
The good news? A few smart preparations can make a big difference. Here's how to get your home, car and family ready before the next freeze.
Start before the forecast gets dramatic.
Don't wait until everyone in town is buying the last faucet cover. Prepare your home early, especially if freezing weather is expected to last more than a few hours.
Pay attention to pipes in attics, garages, crawl spaces and other unheated areas.
Disconnect garden hoses, drain them and install insulated outdoor faucet covers.
Follow the manufacturer's winterization instructions or ask a professional to prepare the system.
Replace filters, arrange needed maintenance and make sure your heating equipment works properly.
Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, including battery backups.
Find your main water shutoff valve.
Know where it is and how to operate it before you need it. If a pipe bursts, shutting off the water quickly can help limit damage.
Frozen pipes? Hard pass.
When water freezes inside a pipe, pressure can build and the pipe may burst. That can mean significant water damage when temperatures rise.
Warm house. Happier pipes.
Maintain indoor heat during freezing weather, including when you're away from home. Keep interior doors open where appropriate to circulate warm air.
Let warm air circulate.
Open cabinets beneath sinks on exterior walls to allow heated indoor air to reach plumbing. Keep chemicals away from children and pets.
Keep water moving.
During severe freezes, dripping indoor hot and cold faucets may help. Follow your local water provider's instructions, especially during shortages.
Prepare before you go.
Keep your heat on. Consider shutting off the main water supply and draining pipes according to your home's plumbing setup.
What if a pipe freezes?
Shut off the water if you suspect damage and contact a plumber. Never use an open flame to thaw a pipe. If a pipe bursts, turn off the water immediately and take steps to prevent further damage.
Lights out?
Have a plan.
Severe winter weather can disrupt electricity and heating. Prepare to stay safe at home, and know when it's time to relocate somewhere warm.
Build a winter emergency kit.
Keep drinking water, shelf-stable food, medications, warm clothing, blankets, flashlights, batteries and a battery-powered radio readily available.
Charge everything.
Charge phones and portable battery packs before the storm. Keep essential contact information available even without internet access.
Use generators safely.
Operate portable generators outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows, doors and attached garages. Never operate a generator indoors or inside a garage. Install working carbon monoxide detectors.
Never use your oven to heat your home.
Gas ovens, grills and outdoor heaters can create dangerous carbon monoxide exposure or fire hazards. Use only properly installed indoor heating equipment according to its instructions.
Know when to leave.
If you cannot maintain safe indoor temperatures, arrange transportation to a warming center or another heated location. Check on older adults, neighbors and anyone relying on powered medical equipment.
Keep the whole crew warm.
A freeze can affect everyone differently. Plan around the people and animals in your household, including anyone who needs extra support.
Keep the essentials close.
Prepare extra layers, blankets, food, water, medications and age-specific supplies. Have indoor activities ready, too.
Check in early.
Make sure loved ones have reliable heat, medications, food and a way to contact someone if conditions worsen.
Bring them inside.
Keep pets indoors during dangerous cold. Prepare food, water, medication and a warm place to sleep.
Have a backup plan.
If someone relies on electrically powered medical equipment, arrange backup power and an alternative safe location.
Watch for signs of cold-related illness.
Hypothermia and frostbite can be serious. If someone becomes confused, unusually drowsy or severely cold, seek emergency medical help.
Icy roads. Take it slow.
Texas roads can become hazardous during freezing rain and ice storms. If travel isn't essential, staying home is often the safer choice.
Review weather alerts and Texas road conditions before leaving home.
Check tires, battery, windshield wipers, lights and antifreeze. Keep fuel or charge levels adequate.
Include blankets, water, snacks, a flashlight, phone charger and basic emergency supplies.
If you must drive, reduce speed, increase following distance and avoid sudden braking.
Bridges and overpasses freeze first.
Elevated roadways can become icy even when nearby roads appear clear. Check current travel conditions before heading out.
CHECK TEXAS ROAD CONDITIONS ↗The thaw can bring surprises.
When temperatures rise, frozen pipes may begin leaking and ice-damaged trees can create additional hazards. Check your property carefully once it's safe.
Inspect your plumbing.
Look for unusual moisture, water stains and reduced water pressure. If you suspect a burst pipe, shut off the water and call a plumber.
Check for tree damage.
Watch for hanging limbs and damaged trees. Stay away from downed power lines and contact your utility company.
Take pictures first.
Photograph damage, keep repair receipts and contact your insurer promptly if you may need to file a claim.
Get ready for next time.
Replace used emergency supplies, review what worked and make improvements before the next freeze.
Oh yeah.
Insurance.
Freezing temperatures can lead to expensive repairs. Knowing what your policy covers before a winter storm can help you prepare for the unexpected.
Burst pipes and water damage
Many homeowners policies cover sudden and accidental water damage caused by a burst pipe. Coverage may depend on policy conditions and whether reasonable steps were taken to protect the plumbing.
Ice and snow damage
Some policies cover damage to your home caused by the weight of ice or snow. Coverage for fences, detached structures and other property may be different.
Additional living expenses
If covered damage makes your home uninhabitable, your policy may help pay certain temporary living expenses, subject to limits.
Renters insurance
Your landlord's policy generally doesn't cover your personal belongings. Review whether your renters policy covers qualifying water damage and temporary housing.
Auto insurance
Comprehensive coverage may cover certain non-collision winter storm damage, such as a falling ice-covered tree. Collision coverage generally applies to covered crashes.
Hey Charley is independent, so we can help you review your policy, understand available coverage options and prepare before the next cold front.
Stay warm.
Stay protected.
Not sure what your homeowners or renters policy covers during a Texas freeze? Let Charley take a look.
LET CHARLEY TAKE A LOOK →