Freeze Alert for Kingwood & Northeast Houston: How to Protect Your Home, Pets & Plants (Jan 25–27)

A hard freeze is expected to impact Kingwood and Northeast Houston starting around Sunday, January 25 through Tuesday, January 27, and since our area isn’t built for extended freezing temperatures, it’s important to prepare early. Stay on top of freezing issues with Kingwood freeze preparation tips.

Even a short freeze can cause burst pipes, water damage, ruined landscaping, and unsafe conditions for pets and families—especially in neighborhoods with older plumbing, exposed outdoor spigots, and heavy tree coverage like many communities in the Kingwood area.

Below are simple, practical steps you can take now to help protect your home and avoid expensive repairs.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes (And Costly Water Damage)

Frozen pipes are one of the biggest risks during Houston-area freezes. When water freezes, it expands—and that pressure can crack pipes and fittings. Northeast Houston and Kingwood freeze preparation tips:

Do This Before Temperatures Drop

  • Cover outdoor faucets/spigots with:

    • Foam faucet covers

    • Insulating wrap (pipe insulation sleeves)

    • Towels + plastic bag + tape (quick backup option)

  • Disconnect garden hoses

    • Store hoses inside the garage or shed

  • Insulate exposed pipes

    • Especially in garages, attics, exterior walls, and under sinks

  • Open cabinet doors under sinks

    • Helps warm air circulate around plumbing on outside walls

  • Let indoor faucets drip

    • A slow drip helps prevent freezing (hot and cold lines if possible)

  • Locate your main water shutoff now

    • If a pipe bursts, shutting water off quickly can save thousands

If You Have a Pool

  • Keep the pump running

    • Circulating water is less likely to freeze

  • Know where the pool equipment shutoff is

    • Freezing damage can happen to pipes, pumps, and filters

Protecting Plants & Landscaping in Freezing Weather

Landscaping can take a hit fast during a freeze—especially tropical plants common in Northeast Houston yards.

What to Use to Cover Plants

  • Frost cloth (best option)

  • Old sheets

  • Blankets

  • Burlap

  • Cardboard boxes for small plants/shrubs

What NOT to Use

  • Plastic directly on plants

    • Plastic can trap cold and cause leaf burn

    • If you must use plastic, place fabric underneath and keep plastic from touching the plant

  • Thin beach towels

    • They often don’t insulate well and can freeze solid

Extra Plant Protection Tips

  • Water plants the day before the freeze

    • Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil

  • Bring potted plants inside

    • Garage, porch, or inside the home is best

  • Cover plants all the way to the ground

    • Traps warmth from the soil

  • Remove covers during the day

    • Let sunlight warm the plants and prevent overheating

Cold Weather Safety Tips for Pets

Pets are especially vulnerable during sudden drops in temperature.

Protect Your Pets

  • Bring pets indoors

    • Even “outdoor pets” can suffer quickly in freezing conditions

  • Check outdoor water bowls

    • They can freeze overnight

  • Provide warm bedding

    • Blankets, pet beds, and a draft-free space make a big difference

  • Limit time outside

    • Especially for small dogs, senior pets, and short-haired breeds

Bonus Tip

  • Check under cars before starting

    • Cats sometimes hide near warm engines during cold mornings

Other Freeze-Related Issues That Can Impact Your Home

Even if your pipes are protected, freezing weather can cause other problems many homeowners don’t think about.

Be Prepared For

  • Power outages

    • Have flashlights, batteries, and phone chargers ready

  • Fireplace and space heater safety

    • Never leave heaters unattended

    • Keep heaters away from curtains/furniture

    • Use a stable, flat surface only

  • Garage doors freezing shut

    • Avoid forcing them open if ice forms along the bottom seal

  • Icy roads, bridges, and overpasses

    • Kingwood roads can get slick fast—especially early morning

  • Sprinkler system damage

    • Turn off and insulate above-ground pipes if possible

Quick “Kingwood Freeze Preparation Tips” for Kingwood and Surrounding Areas Homeowners

Here’s a simple list you can save and share:

  • ✅ Cover outdoor faucets

  • ✅ Disconnect hoses

  • ✅ Insulate exposed pipes

  • ✅ Open sink cabinet doors

  • ✅ Drip faucets overnight

  • ✅ Bring pets indoors

  • ✅ Cover plants with cloth (not plastic)

  • ✅ Bring in potted plants

  • ✅ Run pool pump

  • ✅ Charge devices and prep flashlights

More information from The National Weather Service.

Need Home Maintenance Help?

If you’re a homeowner in Kingwood, Humble, Atascocita, Porter, or Northeast Houston, a good freeze plan can prevent thousands of dollars in damage. If you need recommendations for trusted local plumbers, HVAC pros, or handymen, CONTACT ME. I’m happy to share my go-to contacts.

Stay warm and stay safe!

— Tammy James, Realtor®
Serving Kingwood & Northeast Houston
(including Harris County, Montgomery County, Liberty County, Waller County, Fort Bend County, Brazoria County and all adjacent counties)