Freezing Weather & Extreme Cold Preparation
Freezing weather is not common in Laredo, but occasional extreme cold can create risks for apartments, plumbing, and personal belongings. Because many apartment buildings share plumbing between units, each resident's preparation helps protect their own apartment and neighboring apartments.
When freezing weather is expected, management may send specific instructions by text, email, resident portal notice, or posted notice. Please follow those instructions carefully.
Before & During Freezing Weather
When a freeze is forecast, residents should prepare before temperatures drop.
Helpful steps include:
- Purchase extra drinking water and basic supplies
- Keep phones and essential devices charged
- Locate flashlights, batteries, blankets, and warm clothing
- Make sure windows and exterior doors are closed properly
- Use towels or blankets near drafty windows or doors
- Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks
- Keep the heat running and do not turn the HVAC system completely off
- Cover outdoor spigots connected to the apartment, if applicable
- Drip faucets if instructed by management
During freezing weather, please continue monitoring your apartment. Report water leaks, dripping, ceiling stains, wall stains, moisture, low water pressure, running toilets, HVAC issues, or plumbing problems right away. Even small leaks can become larger repairs or affect neighboring apartments if not addressed quickly.
If Power Goes Out
If the power goes out during freezing weather, focus on staying warm and protecting the apartment.
Residents should wear layers, use blankets, stay together in one room when possible, keep windows and exterior doors closed, and avoid opening the refrigerator or freezer unless necessary. If the apartment becomes extremely cold or unsafe, follow local emergency guidance and seek a safe heated location if needed.
If temperatures are below freezing, power is out, and the indoor temperature is approaching 45°F, plumbing may be at higher risk. Follow any emergency instructions from management. If instructed, or if a serious leak occurs and the shut-off valve is accessible, residents may need to turn off the main water valve, open faucets to relieve pressure, and keep cabinet doors open under sinks.
Important Safety Reminder
Never use outdoor grills, charcoal grills, gas grills, camp stoves, or ovens to heat your apartment. Using grills, stoves, or outdoor equipment indoors can cause fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, serious injury, or death. Carbon monoxide cannot be seen or smelled.
If you suspect carbon monoxide exposure, fire, a medical emergency, or immediate danger, call 911.
After freezing weather passes, please check your apartment for leaks, wet flooring, ceiling or wall stains, bubbling paint, unusual odors, damaged pipes, or heating problems, and report concerns promptly.
