How to prepare for the freezing temperatures coming to Houston this week

With the arrival of winter, there is a chance of freezing temperatures. According to the National Weather Service, the Houston region may experience freezing temperatures early this week, along with a growing chance of snow or sleet.

The National Weather Service believes that a hard freeze might occur on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, which is a potential that comes with cold weather.A Winter Storm Watch was issued by NWS for the area beginning at 6 p.m. on Monday and lasting until Tuesday afternoon.

The northern portions of the region might receive up to five inches of snow, according to the weather agency. Additionally, temperatures will remain below freezing far into Wednesday.

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This advice, which was first published by The Houston Landing in December 2023, is being republished with revisions to help you be ready for the impending cold winter.


Staying warm in a cold snap

Dr. David Persse, chief medical officer for the city of Houston and a native of Buffalo, New York, remarked that despite the severe winters in Buffalo, he has seen more hypothermia patients in Los Angeles and Houston as a result of erratic cold snaps than he has ever seen in Buffalo.

He claims that one significant distinction is that Buffalo’s homeless population is better equipped. According to Persse, staying warm when you’re outside requires wearing gloves, layers, and a head covering.

Homes in Houston are not designed to withstand severe weather. In the winter, some people may choose not to turn on their heat in order to save money, much like in the summer when they don’t want to turn on their air conditioner because it can raise their expenses. Persse advises making sure senior friends and family members are doing well by visiting them during the winter.

Mayor John Whitmire said Friday that the city of Houston launched 10 nightly warming shelters at 6 p.m. on Sunday and will be available to anyone in need 24/7 until noon on Thursday. These facilities can be found at:

  • Acres Homes Multi-service Center
  • Denver Harbor Multi-service Center
  • Fonde Community Center
  • Kashmere Multi-service Center
  • Magnolia Multi-service Center
  • Metropolitan Multi-service Center
  • Moody Community Center
  • Northeast Multi-service Center
  • Southwest Multi-service Center
  • Sunnyside Multi-service Center

All facilities will accept animals, although kennels will already be set up at the Fonde Community Center and Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, mainly to assist the homeless.

During their stay at the warming facilities, people will be permitted to keep the things they brought with them. Police-transported homeless people will no longer be handcuffed during the drive to their destinations.

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A Z-Trip can be requested by calling 311 and will transport a person to any open warming facility if they require a ride.

In contrast to other years, community people will also be able to donate food to warming centers. According to an Office of Emergency Management press release, each warming station will be manned by public safety and health personnel and furnished with basic supplies. Any medications or particular dietary requirements should be brought with Houstonians who intend to use the warming facilities.


How to handle power outages

Before there are power outages, you can make a plan. Making a plan ahead of time helps with everything from stockpiling food to discussing medicine storage with your doctor. Make sure you have extra fuel or batteries for flashlights or lanterns, or other alternate illumination alternatives.

The energy Reliability Council of Texas advises customers to get in touch with their local energy supplier in the event of a power outage.

The Texas Public Utility Commission maintains a list of the state’s electricity suppliers.

For additional preparation advice, see Landing’s guide to power outages here.


How to winterize your home

Before cold weather strikes, Houston Public Works encourages homeowners to wrap exposed pipes outside or in unheated parts of the house. People should switch off sprinkler systems and disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets. To avoid any water leaks from frozen water pipes, make sure they are not broken.

Erin Jones, Houston Public Works’ public information officer and acting communications director, stated in an email that the agency does not request that residents drip their faucets. A large number of people dripping their faucets could have a detrimental effect on Houston’s water pressure.

The government advises individuals to open cabinet doors beneath sinks adjacent to exterior walls in cold weather. Turn off the water to washing machines in unheated garages. Additionally, be sure to safeguard pipes that have previously frozen.

The government advises turning down your house heating system and emptying outside water taps if you won’t be home.

The department also plans additional staff to respond to any fallen debris because of strong winds during freezing conditions.

TheNational Weather Service suggests that peopleinsulate 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 toReady.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 all heat sources.

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Direct plugging into an outlet is recommended for heaters. 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 toTexas 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 heatersindoors because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Former Houston Fire Chief Samuel Pe a 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.

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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 theNational 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 theHouston SPCA s website.

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Reporter Hanna Holthaus contributed to this story.

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How to prepare for the freezing temperatures coming to Houston this week

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