Preparing Your Home for Freezing Cold Weather: Essential Tips for Homeowners in North Texas

Winter 2025 is shaping up to be another cold one in North Texas, and as we prepare for the possibility of freezing temperatures, snow, and ice, it’s important to take action now to protect your home and family. While North Texas doesn’t experience extreme winter weather every year, it only takes one major freeze to cause significant damage to your property and disruption to your daily life. By taking proactive steps, you can minimize the risks posed by the cold and be better prepared for the unexpected.

Understanding the Risks: Why Preparation is Key

In past winters, extreme cold has led to:

Massive power outages: Freezing temperatures and ice storms can overwhelm the power grid, leaving thousands without heat for extended periods.
Burst pipes and water damage: As temperatures plummet, water in exposed pipes can freeze and cause pipes to burst, leading to costly repairs.
Driving hazards: Ice and snow on the roads can lead to accidents, particularly on highways like I-35 and I-20, where black ice can be nearly invisible to drivers.
Fatalities: During extreme cold, people may suffer from hypothermia, or in some cases, improper use of heating sources may lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

To avoid these issues, it’s important to take action early, ensuring your home is ready for whatever the winter months may bring.

1. Winterize Your Heating System

One of the most important steps you can take is to ensure your heating system is ready for freezing temperatures. During winter storms, many homes face heating failures—either due to power outages or underperforming systems that haven't been serviced in years. According to a 2021 report, 90% of home heating failures during extreme cold were caused by a lack of maintenance.

Action Step: Schedule a professional HVAC inspection now. Ensure your furnace is working properly, and replace any worn-out filters.
Tip: For homes with fireplaces, make sure your chimney is clear of obstructions, and the damper is functioning to prevent warm air from escaping.

What works: Regular maintenance and servicing of heating systems can extend the life of your HVAC and prevent breakdowns during freezing conditions.

2. Protect Your Pipes

Frozen pipes are one of the most common and costly issues homeowners face during cold weather. Studies show that more than 250,000 homes are affected by burst pipes each year, resulting in billions of dollars in damage.

Action Step: Insulate exposed pipes in attics, crawlspaces, and along exterior walls. Use foam pipe insulation or even simple rags or towels in a pinch to protect against the cold.
Tip: Let faucets drip during extremely cold nights to keep water moving and prevent freezing. If you’ll be gone for an extended period, leave the heat set to at least 55°F to prevent pipes from freezing.

What works: Insulating pipes and keeping water moving during extreme cold can prevent freezing. What doesn’t work: Simply turning off the water or leaving pipes exposed to the elements.

3. Stock Up on Emergency Supplies

In the event of a power outage or severe winter storm, you’ll need to have essential supplies ready. In 2021, millions of North Texans were left without power for up to three days, making it impossible to heat their homes or access necessities.

Action Step: Stock up on water, non-perishable food, batteries, and blankets now, before the cold hits. Ensure you have enough supplies to last for 72 hours without power.
Tip: Don’t forget about medications, pet food, and baby supplies if needed. A manual can opener is a must-have for canned goods if you lose power.

What works: Being proactive in stocking up on emergency supplies can keep your family safe and well-prepared. What doesn’t work: Waiting until a storm hits to gather essentials.

4. Prepare for Driving in Ice and Snow

Driving in icy conditions is one of the most dangerous aspects of winter weather in North Texas. In 2021, highways like I-35 and I-20 were littered with accidents as drivers struggled with icy patches on the road.

Action Step: Ensure your car is winter-ready with sufficient tire tread, a full gas tank, and properly working wipers. Keep your car stocked with emergency supplies such as blankets, water, snacks, and a flashlight.
Tip: Avoid driving during heavy snowfall or freezing rain. If you must travel, reduce your speed and increase your following distance.

What works: Keeping a winter emergency kit in your car and avoiding travel during extreme conditions can prevent accidents and ensure safety. What doesn’t work: Driving on bald tires or ignoring icy conditions.

5. Seal Drafts and Insulate Your Home

Keeping your home warm is key to surviving extreme cold. A study by the U.S. Department of Energy found that up to 30% of a home’s heat is lost through gaps and cracks in windows, doors, and walls. Insulating and sealing these leaks can make a huge difference.

Action Step: Use weatherstripping or caulking to seal gaps around windows, doors, and any other openings where cold air can enter. If you don’t have storm windows, consider installing plastic film over windows for an extra layer of insulation.
Tip: Close doors to rooms you don’t need to use and close off unused fireplaces to keep the warm air in.

What works: Sealing drafts and adding insulation to your home’s exterior can reduce energy costs and keep temperatures comfortable inside. What doesn’t work: Simply cranking up the thermostat without addressing air leaks will waste energy.

6. Have a Plan for Power Outages

Power outages are common during winter storms in North Texas. According to Texas A&M University, nearly 4 million people were left without power in February 2021 due to the cold weather. It's crucial to be ready for such outages, which can last for days.

Action Step: Consider investing in a backup generator or a solar-powered charger to keep essential devices running during power outages. Stock up on candles, flashlights, and battery-powered lights.
Tip: Charge all phones, laptops, and other devices ahead of time, and keep extra power banks on hand for emergencies.

What works: Generators, battery-powered equipment, and backup power solutions can keep your home running during an outage. What doesn’t work: Relying solely on your regular electricity supply during a storm.

7. Stay Informed with Local Weather Updates

Stay informed about changing weather conditions by subscribing to reliable local weather sources. The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex can experience rapidly changing weather, making it important to stay ahead of any storm or freeze.

Weather Resources:

The Weather Channel (TWC) app
NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (NBC DFW) website and app
Fox 4 News (KDFW) website and app
WFAA 8 News (ABC) website and app
Dallas/Fort Worth National Weather Service: weather.gov/fwd
WAPP Weather App

These sources provide live updates, severe weather alerts, and important information on freezing conditions, power outages, and road closures.

What works: Using a mix of trusted apps and websites can keep you informed in real-time. What doesn’t work: Relying solely on social media for weather updates, which may not be as timely or accurate.

8. Thank Local Workers for Their Tireless Efforts

As we prepare for the colder months, let's not forget to express gratitude for the local linemen, electricians, and blue-collar workers who ensure our homes remain safe and functional during extreme weather. These workers go above and beyond to restore power, clear roads, and repair infrastructure, often in dangerous conditions.

In February 2021, these dedicated individuals worked around the clock to restore power to millions of homes. Many risked their lives to ensure we could stay warm and safe.

Take a moment to thank these everyday heroes when you see them. Whether it’s a quick wave, a smile, or a simple thank-you, their hard work makes a real difference during these challenging times.

Final Thoughts

As North Texas prepares for another potentially cold winter, taking the right steps to protect your home, your family, and your property can make all the difference. Whether it's winterizing your heating system, insulating your pipes, or staying informed through reliable weather sources, the actions you take now will help you handle whatever the season brings. And remember, we’re all in this together—stay safe, stay prepared, and don't forget to thank the heroes who help keep our communities running when winter weather strikes!