01/23/2026
Hey Ya’ll! As we possibly head into Snow-magedon/Snow-pocalypse 2.0 we thought we would put our spin on great advice seen elsewhere, plus a few more tidbits of important info! 😉
❄️❄️❄️BEFORE THE STORM❄️❄️❄️
❄️1. Know who to Call in an Emergency. Your Local Police and Fire Departments Emergent and Non-Emergent Lines. Your Insurance Agent in case of Damage(s). Your Local Builder, Longview Capstone Homes who knows how to work with your Insurance Adjuster to fix those damages. Need References we have Hundreds!
❄️2. Charge all phones, power banks, tablets, gaming devices and rechargeable lanterns. 📱💻🎮
❄️3. Fill up Vehicles, Off- Road Vehicles and ATV’s. Keep extra cans of gas in case your neighbor forgot to get gas. 🚗⛽️
❄️4. Buy Small Propane bottles to use on Campfire Stoves and Exterior Heating Devices.
❄️5. Fill up Large Propane tanks for Generators or Gas Grills. DO NOT use Indoors.
❄️6. Get cash. Plain and simple Cash is King. 💵
❄️7. Pick up prescriptions and essential medications early. Have a list on hand of what medications are taken and when, also include your Doctors contact info. 🩺💊💉
❄️8. Download movies, books, and games for offline use. YOU Do NOT want bored and cold children cooped up in the house.
❄️9. Identify one warm room in the house for everyone to “camp out” in if power fails. We recommend a center room or room with few windows if a fireplace is unavailable.
❄️10. Locate the water shut-off valve and breaker box now, not later.
❄️11. Set fridge and freezer to colder settings to hold temperature longer. 🥶
❄️12. Keep EXTRA batteries AA, AAA, C, D on hand. You never know when you will need one! 🔋
❄️13. Organize extension cords and where you will potentially place heaters now. Be sure not to overload plugs! DO NOT put heaters near furniture, fabric, people, pets or walls. STAY SAFE!
❄️14. Keep Firewood dry with a tarp. If damp, use Starter logs to help start a fire. Keep a lighter/matches on hand.
❄️15. Stock up on TP and Bottled Water. IYKYK 🧻
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WATER AND PIPE PROTECTION
(BEFORE THE TEMPERATURE DROPS BELOW FREEZING)
❄️16. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation.
❄️17. Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots.
❄️18. Drip faucets on exterior walls when temps are estimated to drop below freezing if not able to cover.
❄️19. Cover outdoor faucets with insulated caps or towels.
❄️20. Know how to shut off water quickly if a pipe bursts. You already know who to call for damages and remodels. 😉 If you forgot, it’s Longview Capstone Homes of course!
❄️21. Fill jugs, buckets, or bathtubs with clean water for flushing and washing. 🪣
❄️22. If you plan to drink the water, please BOIL it just to be safe!
❄️23. Leave other interior faucets, showers and bathtubs on a small steady drip. Be careful NOT to overflow bathtubs and sinks.
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POWER OUTAGE PLAN
❄️24. Unplug all unnecessary and important electronics to avoid surge damage.
❄️25. Have a designated Phone/ Ipad, or Battery-operated radio to use for weather updates and emergencies. KEEP IT CHARGED above all else.
❄️26. Use surge protectors for TVs and computers if not unplugged. 💻📺
❄️27. Know where warming centers may be in your area.
❄️28. Have extension cords ready if using an outside generator. Make sure it is rated for generator use.
❄️29. Keep the refrigerator door closed to preserve cold air from escaping.
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HEAT AND HOME SAFETY
❄️30. Gather extra blankets, sleeping bags, and dress in multiple warm layers. KEEP ALL HEATERS at least 3 feet away from curtains, bedding, fabric, furniture, people, pets, children. Plug heaters directly into the wall and never leave unattended.
❄️31. If using a fireplace, confirm the chimney is clear and use dry wood. Never burn trash, cardboard or glossy paper. 🔥
❄️32. Never run generators, grills (charcoal or propane), camp stoves, outdoor firepits or gas ovens inside garages or homes.
❄️33. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
❄️34. Have at least one flashlight per person plus spare batteries. 🔦
❄️35. Use battery-powered lanterns. Avoid the use of candles when possible. If using candles, keep on stable surfaces and away from kids, pets and fabric.
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FOOD AND KITCHEN PREP
❄️36. Use Disposable Plates, Cups and Silverware to conserve water. 🍽️
❄️37. Keep enough water at least 1 gallon per person, per day.
❄️38. Keep 3–5 days of no-cook food: peanut butter, jelly, canned foods, bread, crackers, canned meat or beef jerky, shelf stable fruit. Don't forget the comfort foods like graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate. 🍎🥨🧀🥯🍫🥙
❄️39. Have manual can opener available.
❄️40. Buy shelf-stable milk or powdered milk and electrolyte packets or drinks. 🥛
❄️41. Freeze a few water bottles to act as freezer “ice packs.”
❄️42. Keep a cooler ready to move fridge food outside if power is out and temps are below freezing.
❄️43. Avoid stocking large amounts of perishables right before the storm.
❄️44. Do Not eat the Snow! We know it sounds fun, but eww! 🤢🦠
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PETS AND LIVESTOCK
❄️45. Bring ALL pets indoors with extra food, water and blankets. For large animals keep them covered and dry if possible. 🐈🐩🐰
❄️46. Provide outdoor animals with unfrozen water sources and food. 🐄🐎🐐🐖🐓🦌
❄️47. Add straw or blankets to outdoor shelters.
❄️48. Feed the Birds. 🐦⬛🕊️
❄️49. Keep leashes and carriers accessible in case of evacuation.
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MEDICAL AND SPECIAL NEEDS
❄️50. Keep a written list of medications and dosages. Keep Copies of your Doctors contact information. 🩺
❄️51. Store a small first-aid kit with a thermometer and basic meds.🩹
❄️52. Have a backup power plan for medical devices.
❄️53. Identify a place with power you could relocate to if needed.
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PROPERTY PROTECTION
❄️54. Move vehicles away from trees or power lines. If possible park in a garage, NOT awnings. Cover vehicles if possible and face cars away from strong winds. 🚙❄️🌳👎🏻
❄️55. DON'T pour hot water on frozen pipes or glass. Use kitty litter for driveways and walkways. 🐱
❄️56. STAY OFF the Roof! You are not Santa Clause! 🎅🏼
❄️57. Photograph property for insurance, before conditions worsen. Document, Document, DOCUMENT! 📸
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VEHICLE AND TRAVEL
❄️58. Plan to avoid driving once freezing rain begins. 🚫
❄️59. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads freeze first. 🚦
❄️60. Emergency Kit to keep in your car: jumper cables, ice scraper, blanket, water, snacks, phone charger, warm clothes.
❄️61. Lift windshield wipers off the glass so they don't freeze to it. Top off washer fluid. Fold in those side mirrors to prevent ice damage.
❄️62. Park away from large tree limbs when possible. ❄️🌳👎🏻
❄️63. Assume flights and travel may be disrupted for days.
❄️64. Stay home if it’s not an emergency. Huge shoutout to our Medical Personnel, Police, Firefighters, Electrical Workers and any other person that has to go to work! Thank you for all that you do! 🚑🚓🚒🦺🏥
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DURING THE STORM
❄️65. Create a buddy system, Check on your neighbors, the elderly and people with small children. Oftentimes people won’t ask for help or charity. There is no shame in asking for help in times such as this. If Longview Capstone Homes can’t be of service, we will put you in touch with someone that may. ❤️
❄️66. Do not drive unless absolutely necessary. It’s not worth endangering yourself or others.
❄️67. Assume downed lines are live and dangerous. DO NOT TOUCH! ⚡️🔌⚡️
❄️68. Use only safe indoor heating methods. Refer to Number 13.
❄️69. Report outages to utility companies rather than 911 unless it’s an emergency.
❄️70. Don’t forget to help your neighbor! “Do not forget to show kindness to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown kindness to angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2 ❤️
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AFTER THE STORM
❄️71. Walk carefully—ice will re-freeze overnight if temperatures drop below freezing. Use the Kitty litter for driveways and walkways.
❄️72. Check pipes for leaks as temperatures rise. Leaks may not be noticeable for several days. Walk around and look at your foundation, remove any snow or ice build up. Check your walls where known pipes are.
❄️73. Throw out refrigerated food if above 40°F for more than 4 hours.
❄️74. Avoid DIY electrical repairs around downed lines. JUST DON’T! 🚫🚫🚫Call a Professional! Longview Capstone Homes can make many recommendations for licensed Electrical Contractors, Plumbers and a variety of home care specialists.
❄️75. Be patient and appreciative—restoring power after ice can take several days. Thank the workers that help bring the lights back on!
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We don’t have these storms often, but when we do, we help one another. That’s what Longview Capstone Homes wants to do for you! Call or message us for free damage inspection and insurance help or remodel questions. If we don’t know the answer, we will help you find those that do! Try to enjoy the winter wonderland, because the Texas heat is coming!🥵☀️🥵☀️ Stay Warm, Stay Safe!
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