Winter Storm & Freeze Preparedness for Collin County Residents

Jane A.

6/5/26

Prepare your Collin County home for winter storms. Covers pipe insulation, heating system prep, safe heating alternatives, and what to do during and after a North Texas freeze.

How to protect your pipes, heating system, and home before, during, and after a North Texas winter storm — lessons from 2021 applied to every Collin County household.

Winter Storm & Freeze

The February 2021 winter storm was the most expensive natural disaster in Texas history, causing an estimated $195 billion in economic damage.

Collin County was among the hardest-hit areas, with widespread burst pipes, extended power outages lasting days, heating system failures, and significant property damage across all communities.

Texas homes are built for heat, not cold. Insulation levels, pipe routing, and HVAC systems are designed around a climate where freezing temperatures are rare and brief. When those temperatures arrive and persist — as they did in 2021 and have in subsequent events — under-prepared homes suffer consequences that are preventable with the right preparation.

This guide covers what Collin County homeowners should do before, during, and after a winter storm to protect their homes, their families, and their property.

Before the Storm: Home Preparation

Protect Your Pipes

Burst pipes are the single most common and expensive consequence of winter storms in North Texas homes. Pipes most at risk are those in exterior walls, unheated spaces like attics and garages, and those near exterior hose bibs.

Insulate exterior pipes with foam pipe insulation — available at any home improvement store and takes less than an hour to install
Disconnect and drain garden hoses from all exterior spigots before freeze events
Install foam covers on exterior hose bibs
Know the location of your main water shut-off valve — in an emergency, shutting off the water immediately limits damage from burst pipes
Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to allow warm interior air to reach pipes

Protect Your Water Heater

Water heaters in garages and attics are vulnerable to freezing during extended cold events. If your water heater is in an unheated space, wrap it in an insulating blanket rated for water heaters and ensure the surrounding space has some heat source during extreme cold.

Service Your Heating System

Have your HVAC system serviced before winter season each year. Replace filters, check the heat exchanger for cracks, test heating operation, and ensure the system has adequate refrigerant charge. A system that struggles during normal operation is at highest risk of failure during an extreme event.

Protect Your Roof and Gutters

Clear gutters of debris before winter to ensure meltwater can drain properly. Ice dams — a rare but possible consequence of freeze-thaw cycles — can cause significant roof and interior water damage.

Building a Winter Emergency Supply Kit

Water — one gallon per person per day, minimum 72-hour supply
Non-perishable food requiring no cooking or minimal preparation
Blankets and sleeping bags rated for low temperatures
Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio
Flashlights and extra batteries or rechargeable power banks
Backup phone chargers fully charged before the storm
First aid kit and seven-day supply of prescription medications
Cash — ATMs and card readers may not function during extended outages
Sand, salt, or kitty litter for traction on icy driveways and walkways

Safe Heating Alternatives

If your primary heating fails during a winter storm, you may need supplemental heat. Safety is paramount:

Portable electric space heaters — safe for indoor use; plug directly into a wall outlet, never use an extension cord, keep three feet clear of combustible materials
Fireplace — an excellent backup heat source; ensure flue is clear before use
Never use propane heaters, gas ranges, or ovens for indoor heating — these produce carbon monoxide and create serious fire and poisoning risks
Never run a generator indoors or in the garage — carbon monoxide from generators is lethal; position generators at least 20 feet from any doors or windows

During a Winter Storm

Keep thermostats set to at least 55 degrees even when away from home — pipes in walls need interior warmth to prevent freezing

Let cold water drip from faucets on exterior walls during sustained freezes below 20°F
Check on elderly neighbors who may lack adequate heat or supplies
Monitor your home for signs of pipe stress — decreased water pressure or discoloration can signal an impending burst
Keep your vehicle fuel tank at least half full — ice and extreme cold can make gas station visits difficult and fuel demand surges during events

If a Pipe Bursts

Shut off the main water supply immediately to limit water damage

Call a licensed plumber — demand surges during winter storms, so call early
Document all damage with photos before any cleanup for insurance purposes
Contact your homeowner's insurance company to file a claim — burst pipe damage is typically covered under standard policies
Begin water extraction and drying as quickly as possible — mold can begin developing within 24 to 48 hours in wet building materials

Frequently Asked Questions

How cold does it need to get for pipes to freeze in a Collin County home?

Pipes can begin to freeze when exterior temperatures drop below 20°F for six or more hours, particularly pipes in exterior walls, attics, or garages.

With wind chill factored in, pipes in poorly insulated spaces can freeze at somewhat warmer ambient temperatures. During sustained events with temperatures in the single digits or below zero, as occurred in February 2021, virtually all uninsulated exposed pipes are at risk.

Should I turn off my water heater during a winter storm?

If you must evacuate your home during an extended cold event, turning off your water heater and draining your pipes reduces the risk of water heater damage and limits potential water loss from any burst.

If you are staying home and maintaining heat, leave the water heater running and focus on keeping it protected from cold in its immediate environment.

What should I do if I lose power for more than 24 hours in winter?

If temperatures inside the home drop below 40°F and you cannot restore heat safely, consider evacuating to a friend's or family member's home, a hotel with power, or a county warming shelter.

Do not remain in a dangerously cold home. Collin County Emergency Management activates warming shelters during extended severe winter events — information is distributed through CodeRED and city emergency channels.