Preparing For The Next Winter Storm

February 18, 2022 | by Laura Ross

Categories: Homeownership, Rental Housing

This week marks the one-year anniversary of Winter Storm Uri, a devastating storm that plunged most of Texas into subfreezing temperatures, snow, ice and widespread power outages. 

In the weeks and months that followed, nonprofit organizations across the state rallied to help homeowners and renters make necessary repairs in the wake of Uri’s damage. 

Following the storm, TSAHC released a special round of grant funding under the Texas Foundations Fund specifically to support these rebuilding efforts. In April 2021, we provided 15 nonprofits across Texas with a total of $300,000 in grant funding to repair homes damaged by the storm. 

Winter Storm Uri taught us the importance of knowing how best to prepare ourselves and our homes in the event of another winter storm. Below are suggestions for things we can do next time there is a severe winter weather event.  

1. Prepare your home. Wrap and protect exposed pipes or pipes found in outer walls to keep them from freezing. Leave indoor faucets slightly dripping to keep the water flowing - If water is moving, it’s much less likely to freeze. 
2. Purchase enough food and supplies to last you for the duration of the storm. This should include non-perishable food items, bottled water and any necessary medical prescriptions. Do this as promptly and conservatively as possible to avoid low inventory of crucial supplies at grocery stores.  
3. Create an at-home emergency kit.  Include a flashlight, batteries, bottled water, nonperishable food items such as granola bars and canned soup, matches, candles, and a first aid kit. 
4. Bring your pets and plants inside for the duration of the storm and cold temperatures.
5. Make a plan for what to do should your electricity go out. Purchase firewood if you have a functional fireplace; consider having a generator on hand. ***It’s extremely important that when using a fireplace or generator, you follow all necessary safety precautions to avoid accidental fires or carbon monoxide poisoning. 
6. Find out where the nearest warming station is and plan for how to get there should it be necessary. 
7. Prepare your vehicle to be used in an emergency. Fill up with gas ahead of time and pack an emergency kit for the car in case you get stuck. This should include blankets, bottled water, nonperishable food items like granola bars, a flashlight and extra batteries, and an ice scraper.

Learn more about these suggestions by clicking on the links below which were used in preparing this list:

Winter Storm Resources 

Winter Storm Safety 

14 Steps You Should Take to Prepare for a Winter Storm 

Also, if a severe weather event has damaged your home, these nonprofits might be able to assist you. 
 

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