Winter Storm Power Prep: 7 Things Every East Texas Home Needs Before the First Freeze
When most people in East Texas think about winter, they picture mild cold snaps, woodsy deer blinds, and cozy nights. But as we’ve seen in recent years, a single unexpected freeze can leave neighborhoods in the dark — or worse, without heat, plumbing, or safe shelter.
From burst pipes to frozen HVAC systems, winter storms don’t have to be extreme to cause major disruptions. So before the temps drop below freezing, now’s the time to prep your home for safety, comfort, and peace of mind.
Here are
7 must-haves for East Texas homeowners before the first freeze hits.
1. A Reliable Standby Generator
If you only do one thing this winter, let it be this: get backup power in place. A standby generator keeps your home’s heat, lights, refrigerator, and medical equipment running during blackouts. That means no scrambling in the dark, no spoiled food, and no frozen pipes.
At MALL Energy Home, we install Kohler and Briggs & Stratton standby generators sized to your exact needs. Let our local experts help you choose the right generator for your home - one that keeps your family safe and never leaves you in the dark.
2. Pipe Insulation for Exposed Plumbing
Frozen pipes are one of the most common (and expensive) winter issues in East Texas. Simple foam pipe insulation can make a huge difference — especially for outdoor spigots, crawl spaces, and garage plumbing.
Pro tip: Don’t forget your
well pump or irrigation system, if you have one.
3. A Stocked Emergency Supply Kit
Keep flashlights, extra batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food, and blankets in an easy-to-reach spot. If you have young kids or seniors in the house, include prescription meds and backup chargers for medical devices.
If a storm is on the way, try to hit the grocery store early - shelves clear out fast when severe weather is in the forecast, and you don’t want to be caught without essentials.
4. Thermostat Set to "Smart" & Fire Up That Fireplace
Smart thermostats like Nest or Ecobee help you keep the house warm — and save money — by adapting to the weather and your schedule. Some can even automatically lower temps to prevent frozen pipes when you're away.
And if you’ve got a fireplace, don’t forget to stock up on firewood.
Companies like
P&L Tree Services deliver seasoned firewood right to your doorstep in Kilgore, Gladewater, Longview, and all across East Texas — making it easy to stay cozy when the grid goes down.
5. Roof and Gutter Checkup
Even a light freeze can cause ice to build up around clogged gutters or sagging eaves. Clear out fall leaves now and repair any roof damage before snow or sleet hits. Left unchecked, trapped moisture can lead to leaks, mold, and even structural damage as temperatures drop.
Need a hand?
Clean Cut Roofing is a trusted local option for roof inspections and repairs in East Texas, and
Jack’s Gutters can help clear out debris before it turns into an ice dam disaster. Taking care of these simple tasks now can save you thousands in repair bills down the road.
6. Carbon Monoxide Detectors
With more people using gas heat, fireplaces, or portable heaters, carbon monoxide safety is a winter must. Make sure your detectors are working, and add extras in sleeping areas if needed.
It’s easy to overlook them—especially when those alarms start chirping in the middle of the night because of low batteries. Many homeowners take them down to get a good night’s sleep and never put them back up. Unfortunately, that’s when tragedy can strike.
Cold weather increases the risk of carbon monoxide buildup because homes are sealed tight to conserve heat, and heating systems, fireplaces, and generators all burn fuel that produces the gas. Without proper ventilation or working detectors, CO can silently accumulate indoors.
A quick battery change and test this season could literally save a life.
7. A Power Loss Plan for Pets, Parents, and Perishables
Outages don’t just affect your comfort — they put pets, aging parents, and frozen foods at risk. Have a plan in place now: backup heat source, safe shelter options, and access to generator power that can keep the essentials running.
For more on how standby power supports senior safety and provides peace of mind, check out our blog post “Peace of Mind for Aging Parents: Why a Standby Generator Matters for Senior Safety in East Texas.”
Final Thought: Winter Is Unpredictable. Be Prepared.
We never know what kind of winter East Texas will get, but preparedness is everything. The difference between staying warm and being left in the cold often comes down to a single decision: whether or not your home is power-ready.
If you’re ready to protect your family from the next freeze, book a generator consultation today with MALL Energy Home. We’ll walk you through your options, inspect your home, and provide a no-pressure quote - all before the next cold front arrives.
Click on the link below to get in contact with one of our local experts today.
