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With winter finally upon us, freezing weather is forecasted to head our way. Houston is usually spared from extreme cold snaps that hit other parts of the country, but it’s also no stranger to frigid and sometimes dangerous weather.
In 2021, millions of Texans were left without power during a February winter freeze after the power grid failed, resulting in at least 246 deaths from across the state.
Experts have said that the number of people killed as a result of the storm “is likely four or five times” more than what the state accounted for. It was the last time the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages most of the electricity usage in the state, entered emergency conditions during winter.
With winter officially upon us, here is everything you need to know about staying safe, from winterizing your home on a budget to what the experts say the season will look like this year.
Staying warm in a cold snap
A native of Buffalo, New York, Dr. David Persse, chief medical officer at the city of Houston, said he has seen more hypothermia patients in Los Angeles and Houston due to unpredictable cold snaps than he ever saw in Buffalo despite the harsh winters.
A key difference, he says, is that the homeless population in Buffalo is more prepared. When you’re outside, it’s about wearing layers, gloves and making sure you have something on your head to stay warm, Persse said.
Houston homes are not built for extreme temperatures. And similar to summer when people don’t want to turn on their air conditioning because it can increase their bills, some people may not turn on their heat during the winter to save money. Persse recommends checking in on elderly family members and friends during the winter to make sure they’re OK.
The city of Houston operates warming centers when the National Weather Service issues a hard-freeze warning or wind-chill advisory, said Brent Taylor, chief communications officer at Houston’s Office of Emergency Management. A hard freeze warning is considered when the temperature drops below 25 degrees for two or more hours. A wind chill advisory is when the wind chill drops to 13 degrees.
The city will open multiple warming centers across Houston and work with Z-Trip and METRO to provide rides to those who need assistance. You can call 311 to schedule a ride.
The warming centers are solely places to escape from extreme temperatures and stay warm. The locations do not guarantee warm meals or cots, Taylor said.
How to handle power outages
You can create a plan before power outages occur. From stocking up on items like food or talking to your doctors about how to store medicine, making a plan beforehand helps. Be sure to have alternative lighting options like flashlights or lanterns with extra batteries or fuel.
“Following a disaster, there may be power outages that could last for several days,” according to Ready.gov, a U.S. Department of Homeland Security website focused on educating the public about disaster preparations.
“Stock canned foods, dry mixes and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water or special preparation. Be sure to include a manual can opener and eating utensils.”
If a power outage occurs, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas recommends people contact their local electric provider.
The Public Utility Commission of Texas has a list of electrical providers for the state.
Check out the Landing’s guide to power outages here for more tips on how to prepare.
How to winterize your home
Houston Public Works advises residents to wrap exposed pipes located outside or in unheated areas of the home before freezing weather occurs. People should remove garden hoses connected to outside faucets and turn off sprinkler systems. Make sure they aren’t broken to prevent potential water leaks due to frozen water pipes.
“Houston Public Works does NOT ask people to drip their faucets,” said Erin Jones, public information officer at Houston Public Works, in an email. “It could have a negative impact on the city of Houston’s water pressure if we have a mass amount of people dripping their faucets.”
During freezing weather, the department suggests people open cabinet doors under sinks next to outside walls. In unheated garages, shut off water to washing machines. Also, make sure to protect pipes that have frozen in the past.
If you won’t be home, the department recommends draining outside water faucets and setting your home heating system to low.
During freezing temperatures, the department also schedules extra crews to respond to any fallen debris due to high winds.
The National Weather Service suggests that people insulate their attics and inspect chimneys before winter weather. Individuals should also caulk and weather strip doors and windows.
Fire safety for heating your home
Heating fires were the second-leading cause of home fires in 2021, according to Ready.gov, a U.S. Department of Homeland Security website focused on educating the public about disaster preparations. It recommends people keep items that can burn at least 3 feet away from open fire.
Heaters should be plugged in directly to an outlet. Make sure the cord isn’t damaged or frayed. Individuals should have a professional check out and clean chimneys and heating equipment yearly, according to the website.
The National Weather Service suggests smoke and carbon monoxide detectors be checked before the temperature drops.
For renters, landlords are required to have at least one smoke detector installed outside of each bedroom with some exceptions, according to Texas Tenant Advisor. Be aware that the landlord only has to test it at the beginning of the tenancy or when the smoke detector is first installed. Which means that if it stops working, it’s up to you to put in a request to fix it or inspect it. Just make sure you’re up-to-date on your rent. Texas Tenant Advisor recommends putting a request in writing.
Make sure heat sources have proper ventilation and generators are kept at least 20 feet away from your home. Don’t keep gas, kerosene or propane heaters indoors because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
During a press conference Jan. 12, ahead of winter weather, Houston Fire Chief Samuel Peña said you should have smoke detectors on every floor, including the basement. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and poisonous but can be lethal for humans and animals.
Common sources of carbon monoxide develop from improperly working furnaces.
If power outages occur, generators should not be indoors, including garages with open doors. Individuals should also not use their stove or oven to heat their home.
How to prepare your car for the winter
Houstonians should take their vehicles for a preseason checkup. If you haven’t done that yet, now is the time, said Daniel Armbruster, senior public affairs specialist at AAA Texas.
The top winter-service calls in Texas include dead batteries, flat tires and engine failure, which typically means there’s an issue happening under the hood with the belts and hoses. It’s important to check those for any potential cracking from wear and tear.
You should make sure that your windshield wipers are in good shape. Make sure your car has the proper fluids, like windshield washer fluid and oil. Windshield wipers should be changed out every six months, Armbruster said.
Tires should be checked once a month to make sure they have enough tread and the right amount of air pressure.
Additionally, if your battery is over three years old, a trusted mechanic should check it out. Colder temperatures can decrease the life span of a car’s battery. Typically, a car battery lasts three to five years.
Additionally, you should add a winter survival kit for each car that includes warm clothes, blankets, food, water, and a cellphone and charger, according to the National Weather Service. It’s important to have extra blankets and jackets in case you need roadside assistance and you don’t have heat, Armbruster said.
Protecting your pets from the cold
Julie Kuenstle, vice president of communications for the Houston SPCA, recommends keeping pets indoors or adequately sheltered out of the extreme cold weather. You can place them in your home, a laundry room or a garage with warm blankets to keep them warm. Just make sure your garage is warm enough for your pet.
“You don’t want to leave them in a garage where the temperature is also freezing,” Kuenstle said. “It just depends on the structure that you have, but bring your pets indoors during that extreme freeze.”
Pet owners should also avoid metal bowls for outdoor pets since their water could freeze. Additionally, outdoor pets typically need at least 20 to 50 percent more calories because of the cold weather. She recommends checking with your veterinarian as well.
Just like the summer months, pet owners should not leave their pets in their cars no matter what. A car can act like a refrigerator during the winter months, Kuenstle said.
Additionally, make sure to tap the top of your hood before starting your car to scare away any animals that have taken refuge inside your motor.
For farm animals, she recommends they have access to a barn or a three-sided structure to escape from wind and cold.
To avoid accidental poisoning, the city of Houston’s Office of Emergency Management advises people to clean antifreeze spills or leaks. If you believe your pet has ingested any chemicals, seek veterinary care immediately.
For more information on protecting animals during the winter, visit the Houston SPCA’s website.
What experts say about this year’s winter weather
This year, experts predicted “equal chances” for relatively cool, warm or average winter weather, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center’s Seasonal Temperature Outlook.
The center predicted “wetter-than-average” conditions for the Gulf Coast from December 2023 to February 2024.
How the Texas power grid stands for the winter
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas anticipates it will be able to meet all the demand this winter season. However, the electrical provider has projected a 1-in-6 chance of power outages, according to the Houston Chronicle. The most likely month for power outages is January if Texas experiences another winter storm.
You can sign up to receive alerts from ERCOT through its Texas Advisory and Notification System. The alerts are also available in Spanish.
Additional helpful links
- Sign up for Houston Emergency alerts
- Follow weather updates at Space City Weather and the National Weather Service
- For road updates, keep up with TransStar
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