Cold Weather, Hot Tips: Winter Prep List

Get ready for the season with our Winter Prep List! From home maintenance tips to cold-weather essentials, ensure your family stays cozy.
Here in the ATX we are fortunate to have long summers and short winters that still hit 70-degree days. It’s always a love / hate relationship for most of us Austinite’s but deep down most of us prefer the Sunny weather with highs warm enough to be somewhere by the water. Unfortunately, we do still have to prep for the few chilly days that are now upon us, that bring freezing weather with ice and occasionally, snow that’s a few inches; just deep enough to grab whatever sled you were passed down, container lid, or box that you think makes a good seat to hit the nearest hill on. Don’t bother making the snowman, he will be melted by morning, but you should do these few things to ensure you are ready for those rare Winter Storms.

We all know to go grab those cute jackets, gloves and beanies but it’s also important to take the proper steps to be sure your home and business are ready to weather the winter. Even in the good ole ATX winter storms can cause pipes to burst, water damage, electricity outages, and more!

 Winter Prep List

First, stocking the pantry with back up items is never a bad idea. Non-perishable food, extra waters, some batteries, and flashlights are always good to have on hand. Add in some hot cocoa, whip cream, and marshmallows for the babes to enjoy on those super cold days with some warm blankets and board games to keep everyone at bay if the electricity goes out. Stay informed and be prepared, sign up for Emergency Alerts and have a backup plan in place.

Prepare the inside and outside of your properties- both Commercial and Residential. Trim any trees hanging over, clean the gutters, get your heater inspected to be sure it’s safe and will last, test carbon monoxide and smoke alarms. Be cautious with space heaters and follow all instructions to prevent fires. Have your chimney cleaned and checked prior to using. Always keep a fire extinguisher on hand and be sure you know how to use it! Be sure to seal any cracks around the bathroom and kitchen pipes and wrap exposed pipes in unheated areas, seal windows and doors with any gaps and install weather stripping where needed. Let faucets drip from the cold and hot taps or run water through your indoor faucets – hot and cold — before you go to sleep.  Know where your water shut off valve is and if the pipes do freeze, shut the water off and call a local plumber to help safely thaw the pipe. Check with your insurance agent to be sure you have important coverages like sudden and accidental water damage and be sure that your deductible is something you could cover in the event it’s needed.

Plan for Ice Control- whether it’s for your own driveway or your storefront, ice patches can be hazardous. Use deicers like salt or sand to help prevent slips and falls on driveways, parking lots, and sidewalks. Speaking of driveways and parking lots, take extra caution and follow all local warnings before driving in icy weather. Check the road conditions prior to leaving, give yourself extra time to get there and an alternative route if necessary. Slow down, stay back, and don’t leave unless necessary on those extra icy days!

While the extreme winter days are rare, they do happen and it’s always better to be prepared. Stay warm and safe y’all!