Texans know that winter storms can hit unexpectedly, bringing freezing temperatures that threaten homes and utilities. Preparing ahead of time can help prevent damage, reduce costly repairs, and keep your household safe. This article breaks down essential winter storm preparation tips for everyone, with specific guidance for Base members and those without backup power.
9 essential winter storm preparation tips
1. Stock up on essentials
- Water – Keep at least one gallon per person per day for several days.
- Non-perishable food – Stock up on canned goods, dry foods, and easy-to-prepare meals.
- Medications – Ensure you have a sufficient supply of prescription medications.
- Warm blankets and clothing – Extra layers will help retain body heat if heating becomes an issue.
2. Prevent frozen pipes
- Let faucets trickle overnight to prevent freezing.
- Turn off exterior faucets and disconnect hoses to avoid ice buildup.
- Insulate pipes in unheated areas such as attics, garages, and crawl spaces.
- Keep your thermostat set to a warm temperature.
3. Reduce energy usage
- Use energy-efficient appliances to reduce electricity consumption.
- Lower your thermostat when possible and dress warmly indoors.
- Unplug non-essential electronics to save power.
4. Stay informed
- Sign up for TXANS notifications – ERCOT provides updates on grid conditions.
- Follow local weather alerts and monitor conditions for potential outages.
- Stay connected with Base Power on X and Instagram for real-time updates.
5. Prepare your home
- Close all doors and windows tightly to prevent drafts.
- Seal leaks in crawl spaces, basements, and around doors and windows.
- Winterize unheated areas and keep garage doors closed to maintain warmth.
6. Protect outdoor faucets and water systems
- Turn off outdoor faucets and remove garden hoses.
- Wrap faucets with towels or Styrofoam insulators.
- Drain and turn off automatic sprinkler systems.
7. Prepare for the worst case
- Keep an emergency kit with flashlights, extra batteries, bottled water, and a first aid kit.
- Include supplies for family members and pets, such as diapers, pet food, and prescription medications.
- Store extra blankets and warm clothing in case of heating failures.
8. Know how to shut off water
- Locate your main water shutoff valve and ensure it’s easy to access.
- For renters, consult your property manager about emergency shutoff procedures.
- Have a water meter key on hand, available at most hardware stores.
9. Thaw frozen pipes safely
- Check all faucets – If no water flows, you may have a frozen pipe.
- Find the frozen section – Look for bulges, frost, or ice along the pipe.
- Thaw pipes slowly – Use warm towels, a hair dryer, or a portable heater, but never an open flame.
- Call a plumber if necessary.
For Base members: How to prepare for power outages
How power outages affect your Base-powered home
Good news: With a Base battery, your household will stay powered! Still, it’s helpful to know what to expect. (For more on how your battery works during an outage, read *How the Base battery works: A complete guide to grid connectivity and outage protection.*)
During a power outage, your Base battery will disconnect your home from the grid. This ensures that the stored energy in your battery powers only your household. The average outage in Texas lasts 2.5 hours. At low energy use, a single-unit Base battery can provide power for 20 hours. At moderate energy use, backup duration is typically 12-14 hours.
Extending your backup duration
Certain high-energy appliances, or "secret power-guzzlers," can drain your battery quickly. These include:
- Hot tubs and jacuzzis
- Electric water heaters (especially tankless models)
- Electric dryers and washing machines
- Air conditioners
- Conventional, resistance-based electric whole-home heating systems
Turning off these appliances during outages will significantly extend your battery’s duration.
Things to know before an outage
- Pre-outage preparation: Identify high-energy appliances in your home and plan to turn them off during an outage. Inform Base electricians about your setup during installation to get personalized advice.
- During an outage: If your battery is overwhelmed by high-powered devices, it will shut off automatically. The system attempts three automatic restarts. If unsuccessful, you can manually restart it via the Base app after reducing your power usage.
- Transitioning from grid to off-grid power: When the grid goes down, the hub separates your home, giving you exclusive access to stored battery energy. This transition includes a brief half-second delay.
- Getting support: Base Power’s support team is always available to assist you during an outage.
Preparing for Texas storms without backup power
Power grid failures in Texas are a matter of “when,” not “if.”
Here’s how you can prepare:
- Stock emergency supplies: Keep essentials like water, blankets, hand warmers, non-perishable food, and medications readily available.
- Secure alternative energy sources: Consider investing in a whole-home backup battery system for reliable backup power.
- Plan evacuations: If staying put during a blackout isn’t safe, have an evacuation plan. Coordinate with friends or family outside affected areas.
- Build an emergency contact list: Write down important phone numbers in case your devices lose power.
- Turn off power-hungry devices: If using a backup battery, reducing energy use will help avoid overwhelming or draining your backup power too quickly.
- Use energy-efficient appliances: Switching to energy-efficient devices can reduce strain on the grid during peak demand.
Concluding thoughts
Taking these precautions before freezing weather arrives can help protect your home and loved ones. With proper preparation, you can stay warm, safe, and ready for whatever winter brings. Stay informed, conserve energy, and prepare your home in advance to handle Texas’ unpredictable cold snaps with confidence.
