01/22/2026
Tips for the weekend freeze!🥶🥶
To prepare for a Texas freeze, focus on the "Four P's": Pipes, Plants, People, and Pets. Texas infrastructure is often not built for sustained freezing, so early action is critical.
1. Pipes & Plumbing
* Insulate: Wrap outdoor faucets with Styrofoam covers or towels and tape. Use foam pipe insulation for exposed pipes in attics or garages.
* Disconnect: Remove all garden hoses to prevent water from backing up and freezing inside the faucet.
* Indoor Trickle: During extended freezes, let cold water trickle (not just a slow drip) from faucets served by exposed pipes.
* Cabinet Doors: Keep kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open to allow warm air to reach the pipes.
* Locate Shut-off: Know where your main water shut-off valve is located so you can act quickly if a pipe bursts.
2. Plants & Outdoors
* Water & Mulch: Water your plants before the freeze, as moist soil traps more heat than dry soil. Add mulch for extra root insulation.
* Cover: Use frost cloth, blankets, or tarps to cover sensitive landscaping. Bring potted plants inside.
* Drain Systems: Drain and turn off automatic sprinkler systems.
3. People & Safety
* Emergency Kit: Stock a 3-day supply of non-perishable food, water, and medications.
* Heat Safety: Never use a gas oven, grill, or unvented generator indoors due to carbon monoxide risk.
* Vehicle Prep: Keep your gas tank at least half full. Pack a car emergency kit with blankets, a flashlight, and snacks.
* Power Outages: Charge all devices and external batteries. Have a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radioready.
4. Pets
* Bring Them In: Bring all pets indoors. If they must stay outside, provide a draft-free shelter with warm bedding (not blankets, which can freeze when wet) and ensure their water hasn't frozen.
For real-time road conditions during a storm, you can monitor the Drive Texasmap provided by TxDOT.
