Winter is Coming to the Lone Star State. Are You Prepared?

While Texans may not typically endure the bone-chilling winters others face, being prepared for the cold is something we can hang our hats on.

By Laura Mellett

There were burst pipes, bare shelves, rolling blackouts. The palms wilted. The cacti perished.

If a colder than average winter comes, which this year Farmers’ Almanac is predicting, it wouldn’t be our first rodeo.

While we may not typically endure the bone-chilling winters others face, being prepared for the cold is something we can hang our hats on. Here’s a list of things that we can all do to ensure we aren’t caught flat-footed when the temperature drops:

Warming Up Indoors

• Inspect window and door frames, and add fresh caulk and weather stripping.
  
  
• Inspect your attic insulation and pipes, and fill any holes.
  
  
• Replace air filters and schedule HVAC cleaning.
  
  
• Have your water heater, furnace, fireplace(s) and chimney(s) inspected.
  
  
• Set your thermostat to above 65 degrees to prevent pipes from bursting.
  
  
• Implement fire-safety measures, including checking your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  
  
• Stock up on household, food and first-aid essentials.
  
  

Packing Up Outdoors

• Prepare plants through mulching, pruning, watering and covering, according to your area’s specific requirements.
  
  
• Care for your lawn pre- and post-frost and bring potted plants inside before a freeze.
  
  
• Winterize your pool according to recommendations for your area.
  
  
• Inspect your roof and ensure your gutters aren’t sagging, as ice and snow can pull them loose.
  
  
• Drain water from your pipes and shut off the water supply valve if you leave town. Cover vulnerable outdoor pipes with insulated fiberglass or foam rubber sleeves.
  
  
• Remove hoses from exterior faucets and ensure water is drained from sprinkler heads.
  
  
• Clean, vacuum, cover and store any outdoor furniture and umbrellas.
  
  

To learn more about winterizing your home, visit the Texas Department of Insurance’s “How to make your house winter ready” online guide. For more information on winterizing your garden, read the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center’s “Winterize Your Garden” article.

Personal Finance Texas