Preparing ahead of freezing weather can help protect your home and water access during winter storms.
Winter Storm Readiness: How to Prepare Your Home and Water Supply Ahead of Freezing Weather
Winter storms in Texas are unpredictable. While the freezing temperatures we are seeing now are not expected to reach the prolonged severity of the 2021 winter storm, even short periods of extreme cold can disrupt power, water service, and household plumbing.
Preparation matters.
This guide is designed for NECOA customers and focuses on practical steps you can take before a winter storm arrives to protect your home and ensure access to clean drinking water if conditions change.
A Quick Look Back at 2021 and Why Preparation Still Matters
In February 2021, millions of Texans experienced extended power outages, frozen pipes, and limited access to safe drinking water. While not every winter storm is expected to reach that level of severity, freezing temperatures and short-term outages can still cause problems.
The lesson from 2021 is not panic.
It is preparation.
Taking a few simple steps ahead of time can reduce stress and help protect your household if utilities are temporarily unavailable.
The Most Important Step: Store Drinking Water Ahead of Time
Regardless of the systems you have at home, stored water is the most reliable option during an outage.
We recommend:
- Filling clean bottles, pitchers, jugs, or food-safe containers ahead of freezing temperatures
- Prioritizing drinking water first, followed by water for cooking and basic hygiene
- Storing water indoors where it will not freeze
- Making sure your NECOA Smart Water Purifier is properly set up and ready to use if water quality is affected
Even with a high-quality purification system at home, like the NECOA Smart Water Purifier, stored water ensures you are prepared if power or water service is interrupted.
Stored drinking water is the most reliable option if power or water service is temporarily disrupted.
What NECOA Customers Should Know Before a Winter Storm
NECOA smart water purifiers are designed to operate automatically and require no manual adjustments during changing conditions.
If power is lost during a winter storm, the system will shut off safely on its own. There is no power switch and no need to manually power down the unit. When electricity and water service are restored, the system will automatically turn back on and resume normal operation without any action required.
Because NECOA systems require an active water line and electricity to operate, the most important step customers can take is to use their system ahead of the storm to prepare clean drinking water.
Recommended steps for NECOA customers:
- Use your NECOA system in advance to fill bottles, pitchers, or food-safe containers with drinking water
- Store prepared water indoors where it will not freeze
- Be aware that the system will pause automatically if power or water service is interrupted
- Once service returns, the system will automatically resume normal functionality
Winter storm readiness is about preparation, not relying on any single system during an outage.
Protect Your Home and Plumbing During Freezing Temperatures
Frozen pipes are one of the most common and costly winter storm issues. A few preventative steps can make a big difference:
- Set your thermostat to maintain a consistent indoor temperature
- Let faucets drip slightly during extreme cold to keep water moving
- Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate
- Disconnect garden hoses and cover outdoor spigots
- Know where your main water shutoff valve is located, just in case
Preventing frozen pipes helps protect both your home and your water access.
Simple steps like protecting pipes and allowing warm air to circulate can help prevent freezing damage.
Plan for Short-term Power Interruptions
Even brief outages can be disruptive. A little preparation can help keep things manageable:
- Charge phones, laptops, and power banks ahead of time
- Keep flashlights and batteries easily accessible
- Limit opening the refrigerator if power fluctuates
- Have a plan for simple meals that do not require electric appliances
Preparing for short-term power interruptions can make winter storms more manageable.
Stay Informed and Adjust as Conditions Change
Monitor local weather updates and follow guidance from local utilities and emergency services. Conditions can change quickly, and being informed allows you to adapt your plans as needed.
Staying informed allows you to adjust plans as weather conditions evolve.
Prepared, Not Panicked
Winter storms can be stressful, but preparation goes a long way. By storing drinking water ahead of time, protecting your home, and understanding how your NECOA system behaves during outages, you can face freezing weather with greater confidence.
NECOA is designed to provide clean, reliable water every day and to make preparation simple before conditions change.
Stay safe and stay prepared.