Freezing Weather to hit Brazos Valley — Thursday, February 11th thru Thursday, February 18th

The Brazos Valley is under a Winter Weather Advisory from THU (2/11/21) 9:39 AM CST until THU (2/18/21) 7:00 PM CST

Weather forecasters are predicting Freezing weather for the Brazos Valley starting on Thursday, February 11th, and going thru to Friday, February 19th when the low temperatures are expected to reach the mid 30’s.

Stay tuned to local weather updates: KBTX,

If traveling, please be especially careful when traveling on bridges and overpasses as they tend to cool faster than surrounding grounds and may become slick.

 

Prepare your homes & property against possible damage from these temperatures by following these simple guidelines.

 

PROTECTING PIPES

  • Insulate exposed pipes.  These are the pipes that come out of the ground and go into your house.  Wrap them with old towels and tape the towels in place.  You can also buy insulation that fits around the pipe.  It doesn’t fit perfectly around the joints.  You may want to wrap towels on any exposed areas just in case.
  • Keep the heat on.  If you will be gone for a few days, set the thermostat to at least 60 degrees.
  • Drip your outdoor water tap.  This keeps the water moving and moving water freezes slower than still water.
  • Drip an indoor water tap the farthest away from where the water comes into the house.  By doing this you are moving water through most of the pipes in the house.
  • Open the inside door to the garage to circulate warm air into that part of the house.  Many of us have the pipes installed through the garage wall and then into the house.  The garage is not heated so by opening the door and allowing heat to escape into the garage, the walls and pipes inside them remain a bit warmer.
  • Open cabinets below sinks if they are located on an outside wall.  By doing this, the warm air circulates through the cabinet and keeps that outside wall, where the pipes are located, a bit warmer than it would be if the cabinet were closed off from the warm air in the house.
  • Know where the water cut off is for your home.  In case of a frozen pipe, you will want to turn off the water to your home so that when the pipes thaw out your home will not be flooded.

PLANTS

  • Keep cold-sensitive plants covered.  At this point, if you haven’t covered them, don’t worry about it.  The spring and summer growth has probably already died off.  But keep that growth on there because that dead leaves and branches insulates the layers below and keeps them from being damaged by other freezes.
  • Cover fruit trees.  Some fruit trees have done OK with the weather so far.  But with the very cold temperatures, you may want to throw a sheet over the tree if you don’t see any damage.  If there is damage just let the tree be and cut off the dead limbs in the spring.  The tree will probably not bear fruit next year but it should survive.

PETS

  • Pets need to be inside!  That fur can only do so much when temps drop below 40 degrees!  If you have an outdoor only dog, make sure the doghouse is protected from the wind and has plenty of warm blankets for the pup to tunnel into.  Puppies and elderly dogs are more sensitive to the cold.  And dogs that are ill should definitely be treated to a warmer room during this cold snap.
  • Bang loudly on the car hood before starting it up if you park outside.  Outdoor cats sometimes crawl into engine compartments that are nice and warm from all that driving.  If you start up the car and the cat is in the engine, you could injure or kill the animal.  Give the cat a chance to escape.
  • Get out the sweater.  Short-haired dog breeds get cold quick!  So dress them up in a little coat or sweater to keep them from catching a cold.
  • Never leave dogs or cats in the car alone.  A car can act as a refrigerator, holding the cold in.  Just think how cold you are and how long the car takes to warm up, animals are feeling the same thing.
  • Active dogs need more food.  Animals burn more calories during the cold weather. So add a little something extra to the bowl.  Of course, you want to make sure they have fresh, unfrozen water.

WATER HEATERS

  • Insulate your water heater.  There are blankets that are specially made for water heaters sold at home improvement stores.  You can put the blankets on yourself; however, if applied wrong, you can damage your water heater, cause damage to your home, and sometimes void the warranty.  It is best to have a professional install these.  Water heaters are often outside, in the cold garage.  They lose some of the heat to the air and become less efficient during this time of year.
  • If water is turned off to the house due to a burst pipe, turn off the water heater.  You can burn out the elements by not having water in your water heater.  So it’s best just to turn it off until everything is fixed.

 

 

 

Need-To-Know Tips for First-Time Home Buyers in College Station

first-time home buyers in college station, tx

If you have your heart set on living in College Station, there are a few things you should know when buying your first home in the city. The Texas A&M University main campus is the glue that holds this town together, so, if you’re looking for that university town feel, you’ll be right at home in CStat. Whether you’re a die-hard Texas Aggie or you’re simply feeling nostalgia for your college days, you’ll fit right in once you seal the deal on your new home.

Here are some need-to-know tips for first-time home buyers in College Station, so you can be prepared to acquire a house in this growing Texas locale.

The City of Bryan-College Station, Texas

Bryan-College Station is a metropolitan area in East-Central Texas with the world-renowned Texas A&M University at its center. Because these twin cities lie in the heart of the Brazos Valley, you’ll enjoy every perk that comes with life in the Texas Triangle. You can get to know the area better by asking yourself two simple questions whether you’re new to the area or you’ve been living in this part of Texas for a while. When you’re ready to become one of the 100,000 people who call College Station home, dive into our guide to College Station for first-time home buyers.

Ask Yourself These Questions Before Buying A Home in College Station

When you’re ready to commit to buying your first home in College Station, you should ask yourself these two questions and then get in touch with a real estate agent in the area.

Where Do I Want to Live in College Station?

Your primary address in College Station is a key step in choosing your first house in this dynamic Southern city. Because your home’s location will influence every moment in your time at CStat, consider factors like your job and your kids when making a decision. For example, you should figure out whether or not you’d like to live closer to your workplace or your child’s school to make the most of living in College Station. Because the city limits stretch across multiple counties, you’ll also want to think about your finances when selecting the optimal county for you and your family.

How Much Can I Spend on a Home in College Station?

Your financial situation is another important step in picking your first house in this bustling urban center. Because your property investments impact every part of your life in College Station, you’ll need to be realistic about how much you’re willing to pay when choosing an outcome. You should think about factors like property taxes and annual maintenance, for instance, when working out a budget to enjoy being a College Station resident. The rate of property taxes and other expenses vary from one county to another, so you’ll also have to make a smart buy for you and your loved ones while using the first-time home buyer’s guide to College Station. Luckily, the city of College Station has a first-time home buyer’s assistance program. Next, review our checklist to ensure you have everything in order to be approved.

The Next Step for First-Time Home Buyers in College Station

Because Bryan-College Station is one of the most congested real estate markets in Texas, you’ll need a top real estate agent to help you through the process of buying a home, especially if it’s your first one. You’ll want to have an experienced professional by your side while you’re discovering a house, making an offer and closing the deal to make the process work in your favor. Myke Leatham is among the top 1% of all realtors in North America, making her an excellent resource as you search for your new home.

Given that competition is rife on this end of Texas, you’ll benefit from having a dedicated realtor at your disposal the moment you’re ready to get in the real estate game. A knowledgeable Texas local who knows the ins of life in College Station will also work in your favor when you’re ready to invest in a home, so hiring a real estate agent creates a win-win situation for everyone.

If you’ve recently graduated from Texas A&M or you’re merely longing for some college town vibes, you’ll find everything you’re looking for in BCS. We’re also happy to share additional tips for first-time home buyers in Bryan-College Station, so you can know exactly what to expect when buying a home in this dynamic Lone Star State metropolis.

If you have any questions about homes for sale in College Station, please don’t hesitate to contact the team at Brazos County Realty today.

8 Most Common Causes of House Fires and How to Protect Your Home

Whether you’re new to Bryan-College Station or you’ve been living in this part of Texas for a while, it’s essential to learn about everyday occurrences in your neighborhood and city. House fires are important to pay attention to while living in South-Eastern Texas, as everything from appliances to lighting can spark problems. Once you’ve invested in fire insurance, review these common household fire hazards and learn the best practices for preventing house fires.

candlelit dinner table

Fire Insurance for Your Bryan-College Station Home

Even if you do everything you can to prevent home fires, accidents can happen when you least expect them. One of your first moves after buying a new house should be investing in fire insurance, so you can live comfortably in Bryan-College Station knowing that your property is protected. Once you’re covered with fire insurance that suits your budget and lifestyle, you can take the precautions outlined below to avoid a fire damage in your home. You also have the option to go the extra mile and carry out a home inspection prior to buying a new place to control for fire hazards before you move in.

8 Biggest Causes of Home Fires in Bryan-College Station

Here are the 8 biggest causes of home fires in Bryan-College Station with a number of fire safety tips geared toward keeping homes in this part of Texas safe and sound.

Cooking Equipment

Cooking equipment is one of the culprits behind home fires. Overheating pots and pans, especially ones left unattended, can be quite flammable. In order to practice safe cooking habits, stay in the room while your food is on the burner. Also keep flammable items like paper towels, oven mitts and dish towels away from the stove.

Appliances

Appliances are a second cause behind house fires. Electric appliances like toasters can malfunction, over use electricity and wear out unexpectedly. Because frayed cords, water leaks and more create problems with your appliances, check them for warning signs. Lastly, be sure to keep them up-to-date to offset potential fire hazards.

Children

Children are a third explanation behind home fires. Curiosity can lead to open flames from matches and lighters. Luckily it’s easy to put these gadgets out of reach. Take an extra step of precaution by creating an escape plan for you and your family, and practice it twice a year to encourage fire safety.

Smoking

Smoking is a fourth element to consider in house fires. Cigarettes and cigarette butts can cause furniture, clothes and more to catch on fire. If quitting smoking is too large of a feat, opt for large, deep ashtrays and make sure to always extinguish your cigarettes.

Heating

Heating is a fifth origin of home fires. Built-in and portable heaters can become hot enough to melt and burn nearby objects. If you happen to need a heater during the winter months, keep furniture, curtains and linens away from it. Also, make sure the system is working properly by testing it first.

Wiring

Wiring is a sixth root of house fires. Old wires, electrical issues and water leaks can administer sparks that lead to open flames. Whether you’ve invested in a house or condo, hire an electrician or check in with your landlord regularly to make sure your wires are in working order.

Lighting

Lighting is a seventh source for home fires. Lamp shades and light fittings encompass bulbs that can overheat. When you’re using artificial light sources in your home, set lamp bases where they won’t get knocked over. Be sure to turn them off when they get too hot.

Candles

Candles are an eighth cause of house fires. They’re often set up near flammable items and left unattended. For the moments when you want a nice ambiance and a sweet scent, keep kids and pets away from lit candles. Be sure to blow them out before leaving the room. And remember to cut long wicks and keep flammable objects away from lit candles.

Next Steps

The 8 biggest causes of home fires in Bryan-College Station are important to have top of mind when creating a safe living environment for you and your loved ones. Because everyday items like cooking equipment and candles can lead to disastrous fires when left unattended, it’s best to stay alert and do everything you can to avoid accidents in and around your home. Check out our helpful list of insurance companies to find the right agent for your home protection needs. If you have any questions about these common causes of home fires or fire safety tips for your home in general, please don’t hesitate to contact the team at Brazos County Realty today.



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