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In Austin you never know what the weather can be like in the winter. It can be mild or can be hit with an arctic blast with temperatures plummeting.  None of us will forget the Snowmageddon in 2021! The historic cold snap and winter storm called Uri lasted from February 10-20 and brought Austinities to their knees! With it brought a gridlock of multiday societal impacts from road closures, power outages, loss of heat and busted pipes.

Those of you in the snow belts see these severe storms often and have experience in adapting to the inconveniences. Our homes are not built for these harsh temperatures and many of us have no familiarity with dealing with these circumstances.

We’ve learned its best to take steps right now in December to prevent property damage that could occur this winter. We must take the time to prepare for more severe and prolonged freezing weather..…just in case.  

Here are five preventative tasks that could make your life easier if you find yourself with prolonged harsh weather:

Make sure you keep the cold air out! Tightly close all doors and windows to the outside and repair or replace any that are broken or causing drafts. Make sure fresh weather stripping is installed and caulk and seal all leaks in crawl spaces and around windows.

Locate your water shutoff. Make sure everyone in your residence knows the location of the main water shutoff value. Always keep it clear of debris and obstacles. For most homes in Austin, the shutoof value is on the side of the water meter at the meter box (usually by the street). There is a tool you will need to shut the water value. You can find at any hardware store, Home Depot or Lowe’s.

Check exposed pipes and water heaters. Insulate pipes in unheated areas, such as attic or garage. Check the manufacturer recommendation for your tanked and tankless water heaters.

Check outside faucets. Turn off outside faucets, remove all hoses and wrap faucets with towels or a Styrofoam insulator. Turn off and drain automatic sprinkler systems.

Prepare before leaving town. If you plan on being away during a time when freezing temperatures are possible, turn off your water at the meter and set your thermostat to 65 degrees or higher.

One never knows what winter weather will come to Austin but always better to be safe than sorry!