Weather

Winter is just around the corner for those of us in Southeast Texas. As we move into December, January and February, we’ll see more nights with colder temperatures for longer periods of time. Now is the time to be winterizing your home. Below are some tips to help make it through the freezing temperatures.

When water freezes it expands. This can be bad news for water systems as the expansion can cause pipes and valves to burst. The best way to protect against bursting pipes in your irrigation system is to drain the system to relieve any pressure. The underground piping for your sprinkler system is protected by the ground itself as it acts as an insulator. The most susceptible parts of your irrigation system are the backflow preventers and shutoff valves that are usually located above ground in that U-shaped piping. Wrapping the pipes, valves, and backflow preventer with insulation after closing the main irrigation valve and draining the system is the easiest way to avoid costly repairs.

Exposed pipes in your home should also be insulated to protect them from freezing. Don’t forget those exposed pipes in your attic that may be susceptible. Outside water faucets and garden hoses can also hold water that may freeze and expand. Make sure garden hoses are disconnected from water sources and drained. Exposed water faucets should also be insulated.  These pre-freezing tips can help you avoid headaches and expensive repairs down the road.

As we have entered the peak of hurricane season for Southeast Texas, it’s a good time to verify that you and your family are prepared.  The purpose of emergency preparedness is to reduce the effect of destruction caused by unexpected situations like accidents, fire, sabotage, spills, explosions, natural disasters, terrorist activities and medical emergencies.  In other words, you want to be ready for when disaster strikes, which unfortunately can occur at any moment without notice.

Now is the time to review your emergency supply kit to make sure you are ready when disaster does strike.  A family’s emergency kit should contain, but is not limited to:

• Water (1 Gallon per day per person)
• Food (3 day minimum of nonperishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local map
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• Cash money in small bills

You can customize your kit to personalize it to you and your family’s needs.  Please consider reviewing your supplies now so you can add or replace what you are missing.  It is better to be prepared before disaster strikes so you can avoid long lines at the store and be able to locate the items that you need, which may be limited or unavailable during an emergency event.

For emergency information, please stay tuned to local news, weather, and communications from government authorities for announcements and advisories in case further action is needed.    Some helpful phone numbers are as follows:

• In the event of an emergency, dial 911
• MUD 71 24-hour line for water/sewer issues: (281) 897-9100
• Harris County: (713) 755-5000
• Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management: (713) 881-3100
• Harris County Toll Road Authority Roadside Assistance (daily from 5:00 am-midnight): (281) 584-7500