BEAUMONT, Texas – Many Southeast Texans may know how to prepare for a hurricane, but preparing for an ice storm is something new.
The last ice storm in Southeast Texas was in 1997, and many viewers have asked what we need during an ice storm. Let’s sum it up. Here are some tips on how to prepare for this weekend.
Winter weather may be a stranger to southeast Texas, but you don’t have to worry that your 12News team is here to make it a bit easier. Isolation will be the most important thing.
“Get the little covers for your faucets outside that really help. If your house is pinned, insulate your pipes. It’s best to get up all night and let those plumbing run for a minute or two.”
And you’re going to want to stock up on non-perishable food because if there’s ice on the streets, you probably can’t leave your home.
The greatest threat to our region is ice. It can strain trees and power lines, causing them to fall.
“If you don’t have a generator when the power goes out, the other option is if you have a gas stove you have gas, you can run your gas heater and that will give you some heat.”
And you will need emergency supplies, a first aid kit, flashlights and candles, anything you can get at your local hardware store.
No store in Texas has ice scrapers or ice melts, but cat litter provides traction.
