Freezing Temperatures in the 5 Day Forecast
To prepare your home for freezing temperatures:
Cover outside faucets with insulating foam covers.
Disconnect and drain garden hoses.
Turn off sprinkler system.
If the temperature drops below 20 degrees, keep one or two faucets running slowly at all times. Water running through the system will prevent the line from freezing
Close garage doors.
Check on pipes to your washing machine in the laundry room.
Bring in container plants, add mulch around plants, and cover plants that are prone to frost damage. Remove covering when temperatures warm above freezing.
Use rock salt, sand, or clay-based kitty litter on walks and drives (NOTE: Salt can damage grass and other plants).
Install a clean AC air filter and check the thermostat to see if it’s working properly.
Inspect fireplaces and chimneys before using and have them cleaned if needed.
Check the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to make sure they are working properly.
Keep drapes and blinds closed, except when windows are in direct sunlight.
Repair or replace weather stripping and thresholds around doors and windows.
Check antifreeze levels in cars.
If your home has a pool, don't forget to disconnect your fill line timer from the hose-bib. All pools with single speed pumps (meaning the pump is either on or off) need to be set to run during the entire time that temperatures are below 34 degrees. Variable speed and two-speed pumps are protected from freezing as long as the pump is running; either high or low speed.
Make sure you are aware of your home's water shut off valve. In the event of a frozen pipe that is in risk of bursting, you will need to shut off the water to your home. SAWS has created the following videos on how to turn off the water at the meter
https://youtu.be/BYp_9JZQb3A (English)
https://youtu.be/mghj_zDD7IU (Spanish)
Review your family outage plan or make a new one. You don't have to wait for a power outage to make a plan. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiU4aAut3CQ
Click on this LINK for more information from the City of San Antonio.
If a emergency does arise please contact your property manager immediately. Stay safe and warm!
