How to prepare your home for Texas winter storms

A severe arctic cold front ... in Texas? It's happening again this year. The Lone Star State has been dealing with hard freezes, ice storms and significant snowfall, all of which can lead to power outages as the grid is taxed up to, and beyond, capacity.

Losing power in your home on a cold Texas night is a more serious problem than one may realize. It can mean frigid indoor temperatures threatening your health, not being able to work because the internet is down, and frozen water pipes causing costly water damage you'll be grappling with long after the lights come back on.

The key to handling a power outage is to be prepared before the house goes dark. Here's how to ready your home and life for a deep freeze, from Jackery, a global leader of innovative solar generators and green off-grid energy solutions.

Stock up on essentials

When arctic lows are in the forecast, it's time to head to the grocery store and make sure you have the essentials to get you through a power outage. That means bottled water, non-perishable food like canned tuna and bread for sandwiches, protein bars, fruits and vegetables, nuts and anything else your family likes that doesn't have to be cooked. Don't forget items like bandages and flashlights with new batteries. Get a weather radio if you don't already have one.

Ready your layers

To stay warm, make sure you have the right clothing options at the ready. Wearing layers will help regulate your body temperature and keep you comfortable. Each layer acts as insulation, so consider wearing a fitted t-shirt under a sweater and then a jacket. Your base layer — the first layer against your skin — should be tighter and sit close to the skin to help capture heat. It's also wise to ready blankets and sleeping bags so you can be extra cozy.

Get a solar generator

Backup generators are designed to provide temporary power during a power outage, helping you stay warm and safe. Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro bundle, for example, provides sufficient power during a winter outage for important items like appliances, lamps, electric blankets and electric fireplace heaters.

Why choose a solar generator over traditional gas generators? Gas generators can't be used inside because they give off toxic fumes. Instead, solar generators are a clean power source that produces no harmful gas. Jackery solar generators are emission-free and can be used in apartments and condos as well as homes. They are quiet, low maintenance, durable and charge fully in as little as 1.8 hours.

Close air gaps and leaks

Weather-stripping and caulking helps seal your home to maintain comfortable temperatures all year long, and in the case of lost power during a winter storm, can help trap heat indoors. Make sure yours is maintained and if the power goes out and you notice a draft, a quick solution is to roll up a towel or blanket to stop the airflow. Common areas for drafts are at the bottoms of windows and doors.

Outfit your car with an emergency kit

If you do need to leave your home, snowy and icy roadways can cause accidents and strand motorists. Outfit your car with blankets, bottled water, non-perishable items you've picked up for your house, a shovel, a bag of salt or kitty litter (for traction under your wheels) and hats, scarves, an extra pair of socks and mittens.

For more expert insights and to learn about solar-powered generators, visit Jackery.com or Jackery's Amazon Storefront.