It’s Cold Like Never Before! Be Prepared Texas

By Stacy Burgin

02/13/2021

Houstonians will be experiencing colder temperatures like never before. At Terra Point Realty, safety is our number one priority, so we are offering the following tips to ensure a safe and cozy house:

Electric 

High snow, winds, ice, and storms could trigger downed power lines in isolated areas. Always assume a down power line or wires are energized and possibly dangerous if contacted.

• Do not go near downed power lines or fallen cables.
• Keep your distance from items touching downed lines (tree limbs, vehicles, fences, etc.).
• If someone made contact with a power line, do not attempt and rescue them – you can not help if you become a victim. Instead, call 911.
• If you see downed power lines or fallen cables, report to 713-207-2222 or 800-332-7143.

Natural Gas

• Ensure your heating system is working correctly

When a home has heating equipment that malfunctions, it can cause a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. Check the exterior vents of the furnace to ensure they are free from ice or snow. Maintain your furnace filter clean for safe, efficient functionality.

• Utilize space heaters safely 

Use a space heater using an automatic shut-off, also keep children, pets, and all things at least three feet away. While using a space heater that is gas, propane, or wood, you will need to make sure you vent outside. Never use stoves or ovens for heating space.

• Check your carbon monoxide (CO) and smoke detectors. 

These devices are crucial to warn you of a fire or harmful malfunction using a furnace, water heater, fireplace, or stove. Test your alarms monthly and change batteries yearly.

• Immediately report a suspected gas leak.

 Should you smell the “rotten egg” odor of natural gas, then immediately leave on foot, proceed to a safe place, and call both 911 and CenterPoint Energy at 713-659-2111 or 800-752-8036. Do not use electric switches, phones (including cell phones), drive or start a vehicle, or do anything that would ignite.

Energy Efficiency

 Cold temperatures also mean greater electricity use. Terra Point Realty recommends the following tips for more efficient heating:

Furnace 

A furnace is the ultimate natural gas-consuming appliance.

• Place your thermostat no higher than 68 degrees. If possible, place it at 65 degrees when you are home and 60 degrees while away. Reducing your thermostat can save you in your annual heating expenses.
• You can install a programmable thermostat to help you automatically control your heating usage. 
• Add on extra layers of clothes to keep warm.

Other appliances: 

Although they consume less natural gas, you may still maximize their efficiency.

• When using your washing machine, dishwasher, and gas dryer, run them with full loads only.

Make your home more airtight and keep cold air outside:

• Seal leaks around doors, windows, and other openings such as pipes or ducts, with caulk or weather-stripping. The most common areas where air escapes in houses are floors, walls, ceilings, chimneys, fireplaces, plumbing penetrations, doors, windows, fans, vents, and electrical outlets.

Discover even more energy-saving tips to help you save energy.

For the latest information on power outages:

• Sign up for Power Alert Service for details on individual outages;
• Follow @cnpalerts and visit Outage Tracker for general outage locations; and
• Visit CenterPointEnergy’s Storm Center for more electric and natural gas safety tips and other resources.