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How to prepare your home and vehicle for severe winter weather

Local emergency management coordinator advises the community to prepare for anticipated weather conditions.

SAN ANGELO, Texas — As West Texas prepares for severe winter weather, it’s important to prepare your home and your vehicle for a worst-case scenario. Emergency management Coordinator for Tom Green County, Jerry Huffman, said it’s important to take the necessary steps to be safe, even in your own home. 

“The best thing to do in our homes is to first of all seal any leaks that you have but it’s to keep the thermostat up. I know it costs a little more but it’s going to be worth it not to have frozen pipes and damage to the homes,” Huffman said. 

During freezing temperatures, it’s important not to lower the thermostat too much. Huffman suggests keeping the thermostat in the high 60s, so your home stays stable enough to keep the pipes warm. 

“Well I would recommend that everybody get ready and don't have to go outside but you have to be prepared for electrical failure so have flashlights, do not use candles, have some flashlights and batteries ready to go and then store a little water doesn't have to be a lot,” Huffman said. 

Although driving in extreme weather conditions is not recommended, Huffman suggests inspecting your vehicle to make sure it’s equipped to hit the road. 

“Good tires are always important, also wipers. You need to make sure that the defrosting system is working well and not occluded in some way but good wipers will make a lot of difference and obviously the tires are very key in a traffic situation,” Huffman said. 

Huffman suggested packing basic necessities in your vehicle in case of a worst-case scenario. Preparing for severe winter weather is crucial to ensure safety. 

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