How to Prepare Your Austin Home for an Arctic Blast

Central Texas may be known for its heat, but when an arctic blast rolls in, it’s important to take steps to protect your home from the freezing temperatures. Whether you're a longtime Austin resident or new to the area, these cold-weather preparation tips can help you avoid costly damage and stay warm through the freeze.

1. Protect Your Pipes

Frozen pipes are one of the biggest risks when temperatures drop below freezing. Here’s how to prevent them from bursting:

• Insulate outdoor pipes – Use foam pipe insulation or wrap them in towels.

• Cover outdoor faucets – Faucet covers are an easy, inexpensive way to keep the cold out.

• Drip indoor faucets – Allowing a slow drip from your faucets can prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.

• Open cabinet doors – This lets warm air circulate around pipes under sinks.

2. Seal Up Drafts

Even small cracks can let in cold air, making your heating system work overtime. Keep the warm air in by:

• Placing rolled-up towels at the base of doors and windows.

• Sealing any visible cracks with weatherstripping or caulk.

• Switching ceiling fans to spin clockwise to push warm air down.

3. Use Heating Equipment Safely

Space heaters can be a great way to warm up, but they need to be used properly to prevent fires or carbon monoxide poisoning.

✅ Use only space heaters designed for indoor use.
✅ Keep them at least three feet away from flammable materials.
✅ Never use an oven or stove to heat your home—it’s a fire hazard and can produce deadly carbon monoxide.
✅ If you rely on gas heat, make sure your carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries.

4. Plan for Power Outages

Winter weather can lead to power outages. Be prepared with:

• Extra blankets, warm clothing, and non-perishable food.

• Flashlights and extra batteries.

• A backup power source if you rely on electrically powered medical devices.

5. Keep an Eye on the Weather

Austin’s winter weather can change quickly, so stay informed by checking local forecasts. Wind chills could drop into the teens or even single digits in some areas, making it feel much colder than the actual temperature.

Image from fox7austin

Taking a few simple precautions before the freeze sets in can save you time, money, and stress. Protect your home, stay warm, and most importantly, stay safe!

How do you prepare your home for cold weather? Share your best tips in the comments! 🚨❄️