Winter Storm Preparedness

The intensity of the forecasted freeze for this weekend will require advance preparations for people, pipes, plants and pets/livestock. Please read through the following preparations and take the necessary steps to prepare your home, both inside and outside, as well as your pets and plants.

Indoor Preparedness:
• On Friday evening, in advance of the plummeting temperatures forecasted for Saturday & Sunday, please fill all bathtubs and/or buckets with water that can be used to flush commodes in the event of loss of water.
• Have at least a gallon of drinking water, per person, readily available.
• Open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate
• Allow faucets to SLOWLY drip

Proper winterization will be needed to prevent damage:
• Wrap and protect all exposed faucets or pipes, especially those located on north facing walls.
• Sprinkler systems should be shut off and properly drained.
• If leaving out of town for the upcoming holidays, shut off the main water supply and drain pipes to prevent damage should they burst. All property owners should have a personal cut off valve just past the meter for personal use. Please do not use the District’s angle stop inside the meter box, as this is our valve. Damage to our valve could result in additional charges to the property owner. If you experience a line break and need assistance, please contact us at (979) 966-9383.

• Pets/livestock will require proper shelter to protect from the cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills. Prolonged exposure to the forecasted temperatures and wind may be fatal to unprotected livestock and pets. Monitor water sources as typical sources may freeze over.

• Tropical plants/vegetation will require maximum freeze protection. Unprotected tropical vegetation will be killed and even protected vegetation will likely suffer heavy damage given the advective nature of the freeze.

• Persons should limit outdoor exposure during the cold as wind chills will fall to dangerous levels. Utilize heating sources properly to reduce the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.