Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas addressed the state’s readiness for severe winter weather that is expected to persist for several days. The governor delivered his remarks from the operations center of the state. The press conference is rewound in the video above.
It is anticipated that an Arctic front will push through on Saturday, bringing with it the possibility of wintry precipitation and several days of extreme, bitter weather. Click here to view the most recent forecast from the team of weather experts at NBC 5.
The governor began the press conference by addressing the power grid, which in February 2021, during a multi-day weather event, failed to deliver power continuously, resulting in the loss of power for millions of Texans.
“We feel very good about the status of the Texas power grid, and ERCOT, to be able to effectively and successfully ensure that the power is going to stay on throughout the entirety of this winter storm episode,” Abbott told reporters. “You just need to be well prepared for a multi-day long period of being surrounded by extraordinarily cold weather.”
In an effort to remain warm, the governor and state leaders advised Texans to observe fundamental safety and comfort precautions at home, including the prohibition of operating generators or vehicles in confined spaces.
The new head of ERCOT, Pablo Vegas, stated that the grid is more prepared than ever before to cope with cold weather.
“I want to let you know and reassure you that we are using every tool in our toolbox to make sure that the grid is going to be absolutely ready and prepared to deliver energy to all Texans throughout this weather event,” Vegas added. “The grid is better prepared than it’s ever been before, in particular as it relates to cold weather events like this that is approaching.”
Although it will deliver days of extreme cold, the approaching winter weather in Texas is quite different from the storm of 2021. It is specifically anticipated that this cyclone will not produce an equivalent quantity of precipitation or cloud cover. The loss of power was exacerbated by supply chain disruptions caused by frozen equipment and hazardous roads, in addition to the hindrances to solar energy production caused by a protracted period of cloud cover.
SILICITE PREPARATIONS
Preparing Your Home for Winter
Replace faded weatherstripping on doors and windows prior to the onset of winter to ensure a tight seal. This will ensure that warm air remains indoors and frigid air remains outdoors. In contrast to the majority of contemporary windows, which are sealed internally, ancient windows might have a glazing that cracks and must be replaced. The glaze may need to be applied above a certain temperature and it’ll need time to cure — this maintenance is ideally done in the spring or fall. Finally, verify that your gutters are unobstructed and permit water to flow readily to the downspout. When gutters become obstructed, water may infiltrate a residence. In addition to ensuring that trees are pruned away from power lines, residences, and vehicles, the Texas Department of Insurance advises inspecting attic insulation.
Safeguarding Your Pipes
Most North Texans know to insulate their outdoor faucets, but if the cold snap is prolonged it could be a good idea to also leave inside faucets on external walls dripping overnight so that they don’t freeze. The drip, drip, drip from running faucets, if heard, can be annoying, so put a sponge or towel in the sink to silently catch each drop. If you’re leaving town for a few days, the Texas Department of Insurance recommends leaving cabinet doors open so that pipes on external walls are more exposed to heat. Pipes located in an attic, crawlspace, or any other outdoor area where they are exposed will also require insulation. Disconnect the hoses from those exterior faucets and insulate the valves. Towel-wrapped valves are not the most effective long-term solution. Most if not all North Texas hardware stores sell inexpensive exterior faucet covers made of foam that easily attach to the faucet bib in just a few seconds and do a great job protecting the pipe from freezing. If you suspect a pipe has frozen, keep the faucet open so that water can flow when it melts. Additionally, make sure you know where your main water valve is located (and how to turn it off) in the event a pipe bursts.
Include Your Pets
Even if you have a pet or animal that normally lives or sleeps outdoors, they could be susceptible to cold, hypothermia, and pneumonia. The SPCA of Texas says if you’re cold outside, odds are your pet is cold too. Bring pets inside and make sure other outdoor animals have appropriate shelter, dry and well insulated, to protect them from frigid temperatures and possible death.
Protecting Your Plants
Perennial potted plants should be brought indoors. Plants that cannot be brought inside will need to be covered. Delicate plants can be covered with sheets, blankets, or landscaping frost blankets which can trap heat. During times of extreme cold, multiple frost blankets may be used. For plants left outside, a day or two before a freeze hits, the Dallas Arboretum recommends watering the soil only by hand only, keeping the foliage dry, to insulate the plant’s roots. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension has more here on how to protect plants from frosts and freezes. AgriLife also has tips on how to plant for the winter.
Turn Off Your Sprinkler System
You want to turn off your irrigation system for several reasons. One is that you don’t want it running on its normal schedule, potentially throwing water on streets where it can freeze and be dangerous for passing cars. Second, you don’t want to risk any broken pipes or valves that may come with a system that has not been winterized. To winterize your system, the city of Fort Worth recommends timers and back-flow devices both be turned off, even if you have freeze or rain sensors installed and that the main line be drained. Any pipes that are above the ground should also be insulated.
HVAC
Many air filters should be changed or cleaned every three months, or every season. But that’s not the only winterizing needed for your HVAC system. You should have your ductwork checked regularly for holes (whether from vibration or rodents) to make sure the airflow is uninterrupted. If part of your HVAC is in the attic, it may also be home to rats, mice, and squirrels who find the warmth of the unit an ideal spot to build a nest.
Swimming Pools
Even if you have a freeze protector among your pool equipment, you’ll want to look at the pump every day to make sure it’s moving water through your pipes. Those pipes, too, can burst if they freeze.
Batteries
It’s always a good idea to have a supply of fresh batteries in the event they’re needed for flashlights during a power outage. If you didn’t replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors during daylight saving time — now is a good time to make the switch. It’s also a good idea to make sure your phone is charged so that you’ll have access to timely information in the event of a power loss. Having a backup battery or power source to recharge your phone is also a good idea.
