| I know what you're all thinking, because I've been thinking it, too: how worried should we be about this winter freeze? I think we can all agree that the February 2021 freeze made us all view cold weather differently. Before, it just meant we all stayed in and drank hot cocoa and binge-watched a television series. Now we know that we're one failed power grid away from loss of life and property. The good news, according to local meteorologist and Space City Weather editor Matt Lanza, is that we will likely not experience the intensity of last year's freeze. In other good news, ERCOT expects to avoid blackouts this time around. I spoke with representatives from the city of Katy Office of Emergency Management, and here's what they're asking residents to do in advance the Arctic cold front expected to arrive Thursday: —Winterize any exposed pipes and plumbing to prevent damage. —Shut off and properly drain your sprinkler systems. —Protect your pets and livestock with proper shelter. Any prolonged exposure to the forecasted temperatures and wind may be fatal to animals. —Utilize heating sources properly to reduce the risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use a generator inside your house or in partly enclosed areas. My colleague Megan Munce put together a comprehensive guide on preparing for the icy weather, so check out her coverage and make sure you're ready for the incoming cold blast. Stay safe, Katy Insiders. |
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