12 Important Steps to Prepare Your Home Form Freezing Temperatures

In 2021, snow and frigid weather caused billions of dollars in damage resulting in hundreds of thousands of Texas insurance claims.

Take These Steps Now To Protect Your Property In Advance Of Freezing Temperatures

1. Insulate your pipes: Pipes that are exposed to the cold can easily freeze and burst. Insulating them with foam insulation or heat tape can prevent this from happening. Additionally, cover indoor pipes in unheated areas like attics or garages.

2. Run water through your indoor faucets, both hot and cold, before going to sleep. Alternatively, let the faucets drip from the taps to keep the water flowing.

3. Learn where your water shut-off valve is outside.

It's usually in an underground space under a cover near the street. Knowing the location and how to use the valve can help prevent costly water damage. Turn off the water at the shut-off valve if you are leaving the house before a possible freeze. Don't forget to leave your heat on as well. 

4. Drain lawn sprinkler lines leading into your home. 

5. Seal drafts: Check for drafts around windows and doors and seal them with weather stripping or caulk. This will help keep the cold air out and the warm air in.

6. Trim trees that have branches hanging over your house or cars to prevent any damage from falling branches.

7. Test your carbon monoxide and smoke alarms and replace alarms that are 10 years old or more. If your battery-operated alarm has no date label, it's outdated; replace it.

8. Get your chimney inspected and cleaned to prevent creosote buildup, which can start a fire.

9. Service your heating system: Have your heating system serviced before the cold weather hits to ensure that it's running efficiently and safely.