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Winter weather has arrived in East Texas, and with it comes the potential for freezing rain, ice storms, and snow.
Homes here in East Texas aren’t exactly built for this kind of weather, so it’s important to prepare ahead of time.
Having lived in Utah for three years and survived the Snowmageddon of 2021 here in Tyler, I’ve learned a thing or two about making sure my home and family stay safe and warm. Here’s a simple plan to get you ready!
BEFORE THE FREEZE
1. Prepare Your Pipes
Insulate Exposed Pipes: Wrap outdoor pipes with foam insulation or towels, securing them with duct tape.
Drip Faucets: Allow a slow drip from indoor faucets to prevent pressure buildup.
Shut Off Outdoor Faucets: Disconnect garden hoses and drain outdoor faucets, then cover them with foam covers or towels.
2. Seal Your Home
Windows & Doors: Check for drafts and seal gaps with weather stripping, caulk, or draft guards. For drafty windows use a Window seal kit
Outlet Insulation: My house has drafty electrical outlets. I put foam insulators inside the face plates and covered them with baby plug covers. Before I got fancy, I covered my outlets with Press’n Seal saran wrap.
Garage Door: Keep it closed to protect plumbing near garage walls.
3. Prepare Your Heating System
Test Your Heater: Make sure your furnace or heat pump works properly.
Change Filters: Clean or replace air filters.
Alternative Heating Sources: Stock up on firewood for fireplaces or fuel for space heaters (We love this one), and ensure they are safe to use.
Safe Heating Alternatives:
Electric Space Heaters: Use models with automatic shut-off features.
Fireplaces: Only use well-ventilated wood or gas fireplaces. Electric fireplace
Layer Up: Wear extra clothing and blankets, or have a cozy cuddle party!
Blankets
Fuzzy socks
Fleece lined leggings
Heated blanket
Warm Water: Sip on warm drinks or use heated water bottles to stay warm.
Hot water bottle
Do NOT Use These as a Heat Sources
Indoor gas Ovens or Stove Grills (Charcoal or Propane)
Camp Stoves or Portable Gas Burners
Unvented Kerosene or Propane Heaters
Electric Generators Indoors
Fire Pits
Why Not: They release harmful gases like carbon monoxide and
nitrogen dioxide. Plus they are a potential fire hazard.
4. Emergency Supplies
Basic Kit: Flashlights/lanterns, batteries, blankets, and a first-aid kit.
Water: Store one gallon per person per day for 3 days.
5-gallon water bottle pump
Non-Perishable Food: Stock up on food that doesn’t require cooking.
Power Backup: Charge portable devices, and use your car to charge phones (with the garage door open).
5. Vehicle Readiness
Gas Tank: Keep your tank half full to avoid freezing fuel lines.
DURING THE FREEZE
1. Maintain Warmth Inside
Set your thermostat to at least 68°F.
Use space heaters safely (3 feet from flammable items).
Close off unoccupied rooms to concentrate heat in a single area. keep bathroom doors open to circulate warm air
2. Monitor Pipes
Keep faucets dripping, especially on the outer walls.
Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate.
3. Stay Informed
Monitor local weather alerts and follow official guidance.
4. Have some fun!
Snow sleds, snowman kits, snow gear, and cozy movie marathons are perfect for making memories!
Camp in your front room.
Some of our favorite games
Hand warmers
5. Check in on friends and family. see if anyone needs a warm place to go
If you lose power and need a warm place to go this link has a list of warming shelters.
https://www.ketk.com/news/local-news/list-warming-shelters-open-for-east-texas-cold-weather/
Or ask to go over to a friend’s house.
AFTER THE FREEZE
1. Inspect Your Home
Check Pipes: Look for leaks or damage. If pipes are frozen, thaw them gradually with a hairdryer.
Roof: Inspect for ice dams or leaks from melting snow.
2. Replenish Supplies
Restock any emergency items used during the freeze.
3. Professional Help
If you suspect damage to pipes or heating, contact a licensed plumber or HVAC technician.
DRIVING ON ICY & Snowy ROADS
If you noticed the thin white lines on the roads, those are salt brine lines. Cities use salt brine on roads before snow or ice storms as a preventive measure to make it harder for ice to bond to the road surface. I’m glad to see the city/county preparing so we don’t have a snowmageddon 2025.
Here’s a quick overview of how it works:
Lower Freezing Point: Salt brine, a mixture of water and salt, lowers the freezing point of water, preventing ice from forming easily.
Easier Snow Removal: By applying it before a storm, snow and ice don’t stick as strongly to the pavement, making plowing and clearing much easier.
Proactive Safety: It helps prevent slick conditions from developing, improving safety for drivers from the start of a storm.
Driving on icy roads can be risky, so if you don’t have to travel, it’s safest to stay home. However, if driving is unavoidable, proper preparation and safe techniques can help you navigate the conditions safely.
BEFORE DRIVING
Prepare Your Vehicle: Check your tires, windshield wipers, and washer fluid. Clear all snow and ice from windows, mirrors, and headlights.
No ice scrapper? Use a credit card
Emergency Kit: Include blankets, water, snacks, and a flashlight.
Plan Your Route: Stick to main roads and check weather/road conditions.
WHILE DRIVING
Go Slow: Reduce speed for better control.
Increase Following Distance: Stay at least 6–10 seconds behind the car in front of you.
Use Gentle Braking and Acceleration: Apply brakes gently and accelerate slowly.
Avoid Cruise Control: Always maintain manual control of your speed.
Stay in Lower Gears: Use lower gears for better traction.
IF YOU SKID
Stay Calm: Don’t panic.
Steer Into the Skid: Turn the wheel in the direction of the skid.
Ease Off the Gas: Let off the accelerator gradually.
