For your home and outdoor areas:
- Disconnect and drain all garden hoses you may have outside.
- Turn off all water to outside faucets if possible. Turn off your sprinkler systems as well, and you may want to try blowing compressed air through the lines to prevent freezing and cracking.
- Close garage doors.
- Cover/insulate all exposed pipes, both hot and cold.
- Make sure you know where your main water valve is, and keep tools handy in case you need to turn it off and back on.
- Have your furnace inspected before winter arrives, to make sure everything is working and ready to go. If you have a fireplace, make sure it is also in good working order.
- Keep your drapes and blinds closed to keep in warmth, unless the window gets plenty of natural sunlight.
- Cover or remove any window units.
- Clean your gutters and downspouts in order to prevent frost or ice from building up.
- Drain any standing water you may have, including birdbaths and feeders.
- Cover any plants that are exposed. If you have time, wrapping them in Christmas lights first, and then insulating with sheets/blankets can add extra warmth. The Christmas lights can add a few degrees of warmth!
For yourself and loved ones:
- Stock up on non-perishable food items in case of a power outage. Keep plenty of water on-hand as well.
- Charge all electronics.
- Be sure to fill up your cars with gas.
- Have flashlights, battery operated radios and extra batteries on-hand.
- Keep a working fire extinguisher on hand in case of emergencies.
- Do not leave pets outside, though they may have fur coats, freezing temperatures leave them subject to hypothermia and even death.
Winter weather can take a toll on your home and other buildings, please be sure to keep your home and family secure. As always, practice caution while on the road and stay off the roads and highways if there is danger of ice and frozen roads. For more information regarding school closures and road conditions, check out our links to Houston News stations below.
As always, TDECU will keep our website updated with branch closures and hours by the minute.
Houston News Resources: