Menu
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
Updated January 2025
As much as we love the mild winters in Austin, those sudden freezes can sneak up on us (cue flashbacks to 2021’s Polar Vortex). Don’t let the next freeze catch you off guard! With just a little prep, you can keep your home cozy, your pipes intact, and your family safe. Let’s dive into the essentials to winterize your space before temps drop.
Photo by Nadine Chmel on Unsplash
Here are a few must-haves to winterize your home and avoid those “oh no, I forgot to do that” moments:
Water Main Shut-Off Key: Quickly turn off your water if a pipe bursts. For most homes, the property owner’s shutoff valve is on your side of the water meter at the meter box. For renters, consult with your property manager. If you cannot find your shutoff valve or if it’s damaged, be prepared to access the City shutoff valve in the meter box in an emergency. You may need a water meter key to open the meter box, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. (Source: Austin Energy)
Hose Bib Covers: Protect outdoor faucets from freezing and bursting.
Foam Pipe Insulation: Wrap exposed pipes in garages, crawl spaces, and attics. Tip: Pool Noodles can function as a DIY for insulating pipes in a pinch.
Garage Door Seal or Weather Stripping: Block cold air from creeping into your garage.
Electrical Tape: Insulate exposed wires or pipes.
Rubber Door Draft Stoppers: Keep the warm air in and the cold air out.
Sandbags or Ice Melt: Don’t let your driveway double as a skating rink.
Frost Cloths or Plant Covers: Tie these down with bungee cords to keep plants frost-free.
Indoor/Outdoor Thermometer: Monitor temps in garages, attics, or vulnerable spaces.
Power outages during freezes are never fun, but a little preparation can help you ride them out safely:
Flashlights & Batteries: Because power outages always seem to happen at night.
Portable Power Bank: Keep phones charged and texts going.
Backup Generator: For power outages – just remember to use it outdoors.
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels
✅ Trim Those Trees: Regularly trim tree limbs near power lines to reduce the risk of branches snapping and taking out power during wind or ice storms. If you’re unsure about safety, contact a professional arborist or your local utility provider for assistance—they often offer advice or services to help prevent outages caused by overgrown trees.
✅ Drip, Drip, Drip: After taking the other winterization measures above, drip one cold water faucet slowly if you feel your pipes may still freeze. Choose the faucet that is the greatest distance from your main shutoff valve to keep water moving through the entire system.
✅ Pool Cover or Freeze Guard: Don’t forget to cover your pool, and protect your pool’s pump and pipes.
✅ Build a Kit: Pack essentials like medications, pet supplies, and emergency items in a go-bag.
✅ Mulch: Spread mulch around your plant beds to insulate roots from freezing temperatures.
✅ Water Before Freezes: Hydrated soil retains heat better than dry soil, so give plants a good soak before the freeze hits.
✅ Move Potted Plants Indoors: Even a garage or enclosed porch can help prevent frost damage.
✅ Know Your Neighbors: Your neighbors can be a great resource in emergencies. Plus, it’s always nice to have a cup of sugar on hand (or maybe an extra flashlight!).
Need updates on road closures, weather alerts, or warming shelters? These resources will keep you looped in:
👉 City of Austin Winter Weather Preparedness: Helpful tips and guidance for staying safe.
👉 City of Austin Emergency Updates: Real-time information on weather and road conditions.
👉 Austin Energy Outage Map: Track and report power outages
👉 Travis County Warming Centers: Find warming shelters near you.
With a little preparation, winter weather can be an excuse to cozy up, sip something warm, and enjoy a well-deserved break.
Stay warm, Austin!
– The Giles Group
I agree to be contacted by The Giles Group via call, email, and text. To opt out, you can reply ‘stop’ at any time or click the unsubscribe link in the emails. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service.
Don't have an account? Create your account, it takes less than a minute.
Lost your password?
It takes less than a minute. If you already have an account login.
Enter your email address and we'll send you a link you can use to pick a new password.
