As late January approaches, Austin is officially entering the coldest period of the year and also the time when homes are most likely to experience winter-related issues.
According to the latest weather forecasts, Central Texas will be impacted by a new cold front beginning this Friday. Overnight temperatures are expected to drop significantly, with some areas facing the risk of freezing conditions or icy rain. By Sunday, the daytime high is forecast to reach only 30°F (-1°C).
Compared with the brief cold snaps we saw in December, this round of winter weather is expected to be more concentrated, with longer-lasting overnight lows. Whether you live in your home full-time or own a vacant or remotely managed investment property, now is the right time to prepare your property for winter conditions.
(image from KVUE)
Each winter, the Real International Property Management team proactively inspects vacant investor-owned properties. Standard winterization measures include shutting off water supplies, draining pipes, and setting thermostats to at least 68°F to reduce freeze-related risks.
If you have any questions regarding property management or winter preparation, feel free to contact our PM team at pmgroup@realinternational.com. Our team will coordinate solutions based on your specific property and needs.
Winter Home Maintenance Tips to Keep in Mind
Below are some practical winter safety and maintenance tips worth saving and reviewing:
1. Never Use Grills or Generators Indoors for Heating
If your home loses power, do not bring grills or generators indoors for warmth. This can lead to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, which is extremely dangerous. In Texas alone, at least 430 people die each year from accidental CO poisoning, with more than 50,000 emergency room visits annually.
Make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly and replace batteries as needed.
2. Shut Down Lawn Irrigation Systems
When temperatures drop below freezing, irrigation systems can freeze quickly. It’s best to turn them off in advance and drain any remaining water to prevent pipes or sprinkler heads from cracking.
3. Protect Exterior Faucets
Indoor faucets can drip during freezing weather, but outdoor faucets must be covered. If foam covers are unavailable, a simple workaround is to use a large foam cup (even a Whataburger cup works) as a temporary insulator.
4. Know Where Your Main Water Shutoff Valve Is
Make sure your home’s main water shutoff valve is easy to locate and not blocked by stored items. It should not be rusted, and you should practice turning it on and off. In the event of frozen or burst pipes, shutting off the main valve immediately can significantly reduce damage.
5. Avoid Leaving the Garage Door Open
Keeping the garage door closed during cold weather helps protect interior pipes. However, if you warm up your car in the garage before leaving, always open the garage door first to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.
6. Use Heating Efficiently
During cold spells, authorities recommend using electricity responsibly. There’s no need to set heaters to maximum—keeping indoor temperatures comfortable while sealing doors and windows helps conserve energy and reduce strain on the grid.
7. Don’t Forget Pets and Plants
Dress pets warmly when possible, and wrap young trees or delicate plants with breathable fabric. When leaving home, turn off space heaters to prevent electrical hazards, especially if pets are present.
How the City and State Are Preparing for the Cold
Emergency Resources Activated Early
On January 20, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that he had directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate emergency response resources in advance of the expected winter weather across the state.
Officials emphasized that with potential snow, freezing rain, and sub-freezing temperatures, residents should closely monitor weather updates, check road conditions on DriveTexas.org before traveling, and follow guidance issued by state and local authorities.
ERCOT: Power Supply Expected to Be Sufficient
The ERCOT stated that, based on current assessments, Texas’s power generation system is expected to meet electricity demand during this cold front. All available resources will be deployed to maintain grid reliability.
ERCOT is also coordinating closely with the Texas Public Utility Commission, power generators, and transmission providers to prepare for potential extreme weather scenarios.
Residents Encouraged to Plan Ahead and Sign Up for Alerts
City officials are reminding residents to follow the “Four P’s” of winter preparedness: People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants. They also recommend preparing winter emergency kits for vehicles and taking steps to reduce heat loss and protect appliances in case of power outages.
To stay informed, residents are encouraged to register for emergency alerts at WarnCentralTexas.org and download the Ready Central Texas app. Those using City of Austin utility services should also update their contact information through COAUtilities.com or by calling 512-494-9400, ensuring they receive timely notifications during extreme weather or service disruptions.
📧 If you have any property management or home maintenance needs, feel free to contact us at info@realinternational.com