Winter Weather Preparation for San Antonio Area

As we prepare for night temps well below freezing Thursday – Sunday Nights, here in the San Antonio, area, I wanted to send a quick reminder about the steps you can take to prevent frozen pipes and damage to your home/pool. Thinking about your "People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants" is always a good way to think about cold weather conditions and protections. 

Think about your neighbors and those that might need your help during these colder temps, especially the elderly and homebound. Keep in touch with anyone that might need a warm place for the night.

This link from SAWS has a great video with information protecting your home and pipes, knowing where to turn the water off in the event of a leak is critical. 

If you have a pool this SAWS video might help you be better prepared for the freeze. Your pool company likely has made recommendations about how to respond to colder weather but if in doubt leave your pool running to prevent exposed pipes from freezing. 

With respect to your electrical systems in your home, CPS Energy has a great webpage you can consult on being prepared before, during and after the storm. We still have a lot of above ground electric lines and with the potential of freezing rain, snow and sleet, the lines can become coated with ice and break. Never approach a downed powerline. CPS and the San Antonio Fire Department also remind us to be careful with space heaters, open flames, gas heaters/fireplaces and beware of carbon monoxide dangers. 

Next, it should go without saying but, bringing pets inside during cold weather events is important.  Sort of like us, they are accustomed to warmer weather and not acclimated to freezing temps. So with temps starting to drop after midnight tonight. Bringing those pets inside  before bed this evening is recommended.

Finally, consider plants that might not fare well in the freezing temps and bring those into your garage or inside if possible. Your garage should be warm enough to prevent freezing.

I know lots of this stuff is very basic, but it is always good to be prepared and ready!