Winterizing Your Home for Cold Snaps and Snow in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Baldwin County, Alabama
While the Gulf Coast is known for its mild winters, unexpected cold snaps and even the occasional snowstorm can happen. In Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and Baldwin County, these rare events often catch homeowners by surprise. Proper preparation and winterization can protect your home, save you money on repairs, and ensure your family stays comfortable during cold weather.
Here are the key preventative measures, emergency contacts, and tips to keep in mind for winter storms in our area.
Preventative Measures for Winterization
Protecting Your Pipes
- Wrap and Insulate Pipes: Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape for exposed pipes, especially those in unheated spaces like garages or outdoor areas.
- Drip Faucets: During freezing weather, allow faucets to drip slowly to keep water flowing and reduce the risk of freezing.
- Shut Off Outdoor Water: Disconnect hoses from outdoor spigots and shut off the water supply to outdoor faucets if possible. Cover the spigots with insulated covers for added protection.
Pools and Pumps
- Pool Pumps: Keep your pool pump running during freezing weather to prevent the water from freezing. If power is lost, drain the pump and filter immediately to avoid damage.
- Well Pumps: Insulate your well pump or place a weatherproof heat source nearby to prevent freezing and potential failure.
Winterizing Your Sprinker System. Click on The Link Below
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Doors and Windows
- Seal Drafts: Install or replace weather stripping around doors and windows to prevent cold air from seeping in.
- Thermal Curtains: Use heavy or insulated curtains to keep the heat inside, especially at night.
Plants and Landscaping
- Bring Potted Plants Indoors: Protect your potted plants by moving them into your home or garage.
- Cover Outdoor Plants: Wrap outdoor plants and young trees with blankets or burlap to shield them from frost. Mulch around the base of plants to insulate the roots.
Personal Story
On a recent cold snap, I thought I had everything under control—pipes wrapped, faucets dripping, and outdoor furniture secured—but I completely forgot to bring in a couple of my favorite potted plants. By the time the freeze had passed, they were beyond saving, their leaves drooping and lifeless. It was a tough lesson, and now I always remind myself (and my clients) to double-check for anything left outdoors. As one neighbor once told me, “If you love it, protect it—plants included!” I even took a photo of those poor, sad plants to remind myself to never let it happen again.
Roof and Gutters
- Clean Gutters: Ensure gutters are clear of debris to prevent ice dams.
- Inspect Roof: Check for missing or loose shingles that could allow water to seep in during a freeze-thaw cycle.
Emergency Kits for Cold Weather
Being prepared for a power outage or an extended cold snap is crucial. Here’s what every Gulf Coast homeowner should have on hand:
- Non-Perishable Food: Canned goods, granola bars, and other shelf-stable foods. Don’t forget a manual can opener!
- Cooking Source: A propane or charcoal grill is invaluable for cooking if the power goes out. Always use it outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
- Water: Keep at least one gallon of water per person per day for three days.
- Warmth: Stock up on blankets, hand warmers, and heavy clothing.
- Lighting: Flashlights, candles, and extra batteries.
- Portable Chargers: Keep power banks charged and ready for your phones and small devices.
- First Aid and Medications: A first aid kit and a week’s supply of prescription medications.
- Tools and Supplies: A multi-tool, duct tape, and a battery-powered weather radio.
- Important Documents: Store insurance papers, identification, and important contacts in a waterproof bag.
Generators and Heating
- Generators: Test your generator regularly to ensure it’s operational. Always run generators outdoors in a well-ventilated area to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Emergency Heat: Keep a safe space heater on hand, but make sure it has an automatic shut-off feature to prevent overheating or fire hazards.
- Fireplace Prep: If you have a wood-burning fireplace, ensure you have seasoned firewood ready and your chimney inspected before use.
Local Emergency Contacts
It’s important to know who to call in case of emergencies or severe weather updates:
Local Emergency Services
- Orange Beach Fire Department (Non-Emergency): (251) 981-6166
- Gulf Shores Fire and Rescue (Non-Emergency): (251) 968-7422
- Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency: (251) 972-6807 | baldwincountyal.gov
- Alabama Power Emergency Reporting: (800) 888-2726
- Baldwin EMC (Outages): (800) 837-3374
Plumbers and Pipe Services
- Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Water Cleanup (Baldwin County): (251) 607-7347
- Foley Plumbing Services: (251) 943-7660
Generators and Heating
- Coastal Generators, LLC (Orange Beach): (251) 981-4267
- Baldwin Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.: (251) 947-3614
Personal Experiences and Tips
One winter, a rare freeze caught many of us off guard in Orange Beach. My outdoor plants and trees were at risk, but wrapping them in old blankets and burlap saved them from frost damage. A neighbor of mine learned the importance of insulating her pool pump after it froze and cracked, leading to costly repairs. These lessons remind me how a little preparation can save a lot of stress.
Stay Notified
To stay informed during cold snaps or snowstorms, consider signing up for Baldwin County emergency alerts through the Baldwin EMA website. Local weather stations like WKRG News 5 and NOAA Weather provide real-time updates for the Gulf Coast region.
Final Thoughts
Cold snaps and snowstorms may be rare along the Gulf Coast, but preparation is key to keeping your home and family safe. From insulating pipes to assembling an emergency kit, these steps ensure you’re ready for whatever winter brings. If you’re new to the area or need personalized advice for winterizing your home, I’m here to help.
Meredith Amon is a local real estate advisor, licensed in Alabama and Florida, specializing in helping buyers and sellers navigate Gulf Coast living. Visit www.searchthegulf.com for more tips and resources.
When it comes to finding the home of your dreams in a fast-paced market, knowing about new listings as soon as they are available is part of our competitive advantage.Sign up to see new listings in an area or specific community. Contact Meredith with any questions you may have.
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