Winter Weather Preparedness & Safety Tips

The safety and well-being of our community and clients are our top priority. Texas is forecasted to experience freezing temperatures for prolonged periods throughout the remainder of the week. This weather includes the potential for snow, sleet, and freezing rain that can create hazardous conditions.

During extremely cold weather, staying warm and safe can be a challenge. Learn how to prepare for winter storms, prevent cold temperature-related health problems, and protect yourself during all stages of a winter storm by reviewing the CDC winter weather preparedness guidelines by following the link below:

CDC WINTER WEATHER INFORMATION

Other items for your consideration.

• Prepare your emergency supply kits (home and auto).
• Monitor your thermostats in all interior areas,
• Bring your pets indoors.
• Turn off outside features, faucets, spigots or lines, clear lines of water & insulate wherever you can.
• If you have a pool, contact your pool service provider for winterization assistance.
• Drip your faucets. Slow moving of water though a line will prevent ice accumulation.
• Insulate any exposed pipes located in attics or crawl spaces to prevent frozen pipe ruptures.
• If you will use your chimney, be sure the chimney is clean and clear and that the flue is open.
• Verify smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning.
• Make sure your vehicle is full of gas.
• Keep gutters free of debris, ice, and snow which can pull down your gutters and cause roof damage.
• Trim tree branches: The weight of snow and ice on tree branched during a storm can cause damage your home and loss of power. Remove any dead limbs or branches that could cause serious damage if they were to fall.
• If you use a space heater, be sure to use extreme caution and do not leave them unattended.

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Here are some tips to help prevent water damage from frozen pipes.

• If your pipes freeze, locate and close the main water shutoff valve as soon as possible and before temperatures rise above freezing.
• Inspect pipes for damage, including those in attics and crawl spaces, where it is safe to do so.
• As temperatures increase above freezing, watch and listen for signs of water leaks.
• If a pipe is leaking, do not turn on the water. Open all faucets including those outside to drain remaining water from pipes and call a licensed plumber for repairs.
• If no leaks are detected, turn water back on slowly. Continue to check for leaks before turning water on completely.
• Never use torches or heat guns to facilitate thawing as these can create fire hazards.

POWER FAILURE INFORMATION

PREVENT FROZEN PIPES

FROZEN PIPES POST CARE