Tips for Winter Weather Prepping in San Antonio

The Texas winter storm of 2021 left people thinking about their homes in a new way. Homeowners who never gave much thought to insulation or generators may be wondering what steps they can take to prepare for a possible Texas winter storm in the years to come. We’ve compiled some information to help you plan your San Antonio winter storm prep. The San Antonio Water System has also published advice on what to do in freezing temperatures. With the right information and a little planning, you can feel that your home is better prepared for cold weather.

INSULATION

If you have the time and resources, make sure any pipes that aren’t insulated (and especially those that don’t benefit from the heat inside your home) get some extra attention to save you money and frustration. After all, Winter Storm Uri cost Texans more than 200 billion dollars in damages. According to The Home Depot, there are some DIY plumbing options that can help, too, like wrapping your pipes in insulation or heat tape.

GET OUTSIDE

Before the temperatures get too cold, you’ll want to make sure the outside of your home is ready to handle winter weather. For warmth, you’ll want to seal any holes or cracks around windows, doors, or even smaller things like phone lines. Another tip: Clean your gutters! Clogged gutters can cause ice to create dams, which can damage your roof and the inside of your home.

LOCATE IMPORTANT FEATURES

It’s always a good idea to know where important things like your main water shutoff are. They can be located outside, and if you are renting or live in an apartment, they may be inside. It is usually on an external wall of your home. You may need a water meter key to access this, which can be picked up at most home improvement stores. That way, if a water line were to burst or freeze, you can minimize potential water damage issues with the turn of a key. Don't forget to seal up any exterior faucet with an insulated slip-on cover so any remaining water doesn't freeze.

BATTERY-POWERED PREPARATION

You’ll want to have ways to keep things you need (like your phone and other electronics) running, so investing in a battery-powered charging device is a good idea. Another thing you’ll want to make sure you have at home is a flashlight or a lamp that can run on solar or battery power. If your thermostat is battery-powered, make sure to double-check that as well. If it is dead or low on battery, you’ll need to replace them.

SAFETY CHECK

When you are prepping for freezing temps, you’ll want to make sure to check things in your home that could become a safety issue. If you have a fireplace, clean out your chimney and make sure everything is in good working order. Build-up or debris in your chimney can cause a variety of issues, including the inability of your fireplace to properly vent, leading to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, make sure that you have carbon monoxide detectors installed, and give them a test. During a freeze or loss of power, you may resort to other means of heating your home, and you’ll want to make sure you are safely monitoring any potential CO buildup.

STOCK YOUR PANTRY AND FIRST AID KIT

You don’t need to go overboard, and you’ll want to make sure to leave enough for your neighbors. But if you start planning ahead, you’ll want to have a gallon of water per person and pet each day, and you should have seven days worth when preparing for a San Antonio winter storm. The San Antonio Water System also recommends filling your tub with water if it looks like a winter storm is coming. Next, you’ll want to make sure your pantry has things you can eat that you don’t need to cook. Ready.gov suggests a several-day supply at least, of non-perishable food such as:

• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables and a can opener
• Protein or fruit bars
• Dry cereal or granola
• Peanut butter
• Dried fruit
• Canned juices
• Non-perishable pasteurized milk
• High-energy foods
• Food for infants
• Comfort/stress foods

When planning your food, don’t forget to inventory your pet food as well. Another thing to add to your home if you don’t already have one is a well-stocked first aid kit that includes items like:

1. Emergency blanket
2. Bandages and wound cleaning supplies
3. Over-the-counter and prescription medications
4. A document with emergency contacts and hospital locations

UP YOUR ENTERTAINMENT GAME

While it may seem less important in the grand scheme of things, if you are doing some winter storm prepping, you may want to consider how you spend your time in your home. Do you watch television or enjoy your record player for long periods of time? Do you play video games on your home computer? Now is a great time to stock up your personal library with books, or add some interesting puzzles to your collection. A few board games or a deck of cards can also go a long way for your mental health if you lose power and find yourself worrying about the winter weather.

CONSIDER A GENERATOR

You may want to look into a generator or solar power for emergency situations. Consumer Reports has warned about the dangers of portable generator misuse due to their ability to create deadly carbon monoxide. Always make sure to run a portable generator outside your home and away from basements, garages, sheds, and doors or windows. If you live with or are someone who relies on electricity for medical devices and a permanent generator is not feasible, make sure to research generators with features like CO detectors and auto shut-off options as you prep for a possible winter storm. 

MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS

If you don’t already know your neighbors, planning is a great way to get talking. The last thing you want is to be without help and scrambling during a Texas winter storm. In addition, you never know who has taken the time to make sure their home is ready for the cold, and they may be a good educational resource or helpful in an emergency. Also, knowing and having a way to communicate with your neighbors can keep you from wondering about their safety, too.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

Think back on the winter storm of 2021. What did you find yourself really needing or wishing your home had? Think about the answers to these questions as you plan your home’s winter weather prepping. Also, think about where you would go should you need to leave your home. Do you have a friend or family member you can stay with? Finally, revisit your home insurance, so you aren’t left wondering, and ask yourself if you understand your plan and if you have enough coverage.