Louisiana weather can be unpredictable. One week brings humidity and temperatures in the 70s, and the next, a cold front has everyone reaching for extra blankets. While winters here are generally mild compared to northern states, occasional extreme cold snaps can catch homeowners off guard. Temperatures can drop quickly, sometimes falling below freezing for several days in a row.
These sudden freezes can create problems that many Louisiana homeowners do not expect until they happen. Frozen pipes, heating system failures, and roof damage from ice buildup are uncommon here, but they can occur. When they do, repairs can be costly and inconvenient.
This guide outlines practical steps homeowners can take to protect their homes and stay safe during freezing weather.
Insulate and Seal
Pipes are one of the first things to protect when temperatures drop. Water expands as it freezes, which can crack or burst pipes. The most vulnerable ones are in unheated areas such as crawlspaces, attics, and exterior walls.
You can insulate pipes with foam sleeves or heat tape. Both are easy to find at hardware stores and simple to install. Give extra attention to outdoor spigots and any pipes you can reach in crawlspaces or under the house. Exposed pipes in the attic should also be covered.
Sealing gaps around your home helps keep cold air out and warm air in. Check doors and windows for drafts. If you feel air coming through, you are losing heat. Replace worn weather stripping and seal cracks with caulk.
Also, inspect your attic. Since heat rises, a poorly sealed attic can let warmth escape quickly. Look for gaps around vents, light fixtures, and places where pipes or wires pass through the ceiling.
Prepare Heating Systems
Your heating system should be ready before the cold arrives. If it has been a while since your last HVAC inspection, schedule one now. A technician can identify and fix potential issues before they lead to a breakdown during freezing weather. Also, replace your air filters. Dirty filters reduce efficiency and can strain your system when it needs to work hardest.
If you rely on space heaters, check that they are in good condition and positioned safely. Keep them at least three feet away from anything flammable, such as curtains, furniture, or bedding. Never leave a space heater on while you are asleep or away from home.
The same safety rule applies to fireplaces. If you plan to use yours, have the chimney inspected and cleaned. Creosote buildup can lead to dangerous chimney fires.
It also helps to stock up on essentials ahead of time. If you use propane or heating oil, check your supply and refill as needed. Keep extra air filters on hand for your HVAC system. If you heat with wood, make sure you have enough dry firewood stored in a covered area.
Read more: Warming Your Space Safely: A Guide to Using Space Heaters
Get Emergency Supplies and Make a Plan
Have a household emergency kit ready before severe weather hits. Include flashlights, extra batteries, blankets, a first aid kit, and bottled water. Add non-perishable food, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and any medications your family needs. Keep everything in one place so it’s easy to find.
Ice storms can cause power outages. If you have a portable generator, test it and make sure you have fuel stored safely. Never use a generator indoors or in an enclosed area, since carbon monoxide buildup can be deadly. If you don’t have a generator, charge power banks for your phones and keep extra batteries for essential devices.
Talk with your family about what to do if the power goes out or icy roads make travel unsafe. Make sure everyone knows how to stay warm and where to find emergency supplies.
Protect Your Plumbing
Letting faucets drip during a freeze is a simple but effective way to prevent frozen pipes. Moving water is less likely to freeze than standing water. You do not need a strong flow, just a steady drip. Focus on faucets connected to pipes in exterior walls or unheated areas.
Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate around the pipes, especially for sinks along exterior walls.
Know where your main water shut-off valve is and how to use it. If a pipe bursts, shutting off the water quickly can reduce damage. Once the water is off, call a plumber.
Prepare Your Yard and Outdoor Areas
Outdoor faucets are especially vulnerable to freezing. Cover them with insulated faucet covers, which are available at most hardware stores. Disconnect garden hoses and drain them completely. Water left in hoses can freeze and damage both the hose and the faucet.
Protect plants that cannot handle freezing temperatures by covering them with blankets, burlap, or frost cloths. Add mulch around garden beds to help insulate the roots. Bring potted plants indoors if possible.
Also, make sure pets and livestock have warm, dry shelter during freezing weather. They need access to unfrozen water and extra food because staying warm uses more energy.
Louisiana weather can be unpredictable.
We may not see freezing temperatures every year, but when they do arrive, they often take us by surprise. A little planning ahead can help you avoid expensive repairs and keep your family safe.
Read more: How Cold Weather Affects Your Car and What to Do About It
Preparing for extreme weather can feel overwhelming, especially with everything else on your to-do list. That is why we are here to help you protect what matters most. Our comprehensive homeowners insurance provides reliable coverage so you and your family stay protected no matter what the weather brings.
Contact one of our team members at our insurance offices in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Franklin, Lutcher, or Abbeville to schedule an appointment and find the coverage that fits your needs.
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