Take emergency freeze precautions
ERCOT is projecting 73 gigawatts of electric demand by 8 AM Friday. Last February the grid crashed at 67 gigawatts. Doug Lewin an energy consultant leading Stoic Energy says he’s about 70-80% confident the heat will stay on. His reasoning is, unlike last year, the entire state won’t be below freezing (i.e., generators in the the southern part of the state will continue to supply the grid), the lower temperatures won’t last as long, and it won’t be as cold as it was in 2021.
Do not leave your home with the water pipes full of water - This was the cause behind the most costly freeze damages at LBT last year. Breaks in the main water line that runs through the garage attic was the most common. If you must leave, winterize your house. Cut off the water at the water meter and/or at the emergency turnoff near the foundation (see below). Open all your faucets and flush toilets to allow the pipes to drain. Put RV antifreeze, or if you can't find that, "below zero" windshield washer fluid in your toilet bowl and tank. A water meter wrench (right) is essential winter emergency gear available at Home Depot.
If you are going to be home...
Drip your indoor faucets - Drip your indoor faucet and open the cabinets to let warm air circulate around the pipes. Don't forget the toilets.
Be sure the fireplace flue is open - If you are using the fireplace for heat and haven't used it in a while, be sure the flue is fully open. There should be a clamp that prevents if from being closed, but some homes don't have that.
Test your carbon monoxide detectors - Everyone should have these, they have been required by code since 2018 (the code is here), and they have a test button. Be sure the backup batteries are fresh. If the power goes off and you are heating your home with your gas fireplace, carbon monoxide is a concern; especially if you have not use your fireplace regularly. We had one resident last year hospitalized with carbon monoxide poisoning during the February freeze.
Cover your outdoor faucets - A few weeks back, our porter Jerry, put caps on all the outside faucets. Please check to be sure yours is still in place. If you have a atrium, be sure to cover that faucet too.`
Make sure you have power backup
- Batteries for your flashlight.
- Small inexpensive energy storage devices to charge up your phone when it runs down.
- Gas up your car... it's a good place to go to get warm up and charge things (with the garage door open, of course).
Hopefully the storm will be mild. See all crime and safety articles here.
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