Houston Freeze Survival Guide 2026
With the upcoming freeze heading toward Houston, I hope you and your homes are bundled up and ready! Safety is the priority, so if you need any specific tips on insulating pipes, finding local warming centers, or general winter prep, please don't hesitate to reach out. I’ve put together a little "Freeze Survival Database" to help pass the time while we wait for the thaw.
🎬 The "Texas Legend" Watchlist
If we’re going to be stuck inside, we might as well embrace the Texas vibes. Here are some local favorites to marathon:
The Wes Anderson Marathon: Did you know Wes Anderson is from Houston?
Rushmore: Filmed at St. John’s School and Lamar High School right here in town.
Bottle Rocket: His directorial debut, filmed in Dallas.
Houston Classics: * Apollo 13: For that "Houston, we have a problem" energy.
Reality Bites: The quintessential 90s Houston movie.
Terms of Endearment: Much of this Oscar-winner was filmed in River Oaks.
Texas Series:
Friday Night Lights: Perfect for a long binge (clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose).
King of the Hill: To appreciate the humor of Texas suburbia.
🍲 Cozy "No-Bean" Texas Chili Recipe
Keep the stove going and the house warm with a classic pot of Red.
Ingredients:
2 lbs Coarsely ground beef (chuck is best)
1 Large onion, diced
3 Cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp Chili powder, 1 tsp Cumin, 1 tsp Oregano
1 can (15 oz) Tomato sauce & 1 can (15 oz) Diced tomatoes
1 cup Beef broth (or water)
Optional: Sliced jalapeños for extra heat
Instructions:
Brown the beef with onions and garlic in a large pot; drain the excess fat.
Stir in all spices, tomatoes, and broth.
Simmer on low for at least 1 hour (the longer, the better).
Serve with shredded cheddar, sour cream, and cornbread.
🏠 Productive Things To Do Around the House
The "Linen Closet" Purge: Finally organize those sheets and towels (and pull out the extra blankets!).
Document Digitization: Use your phone to scan old family photos or important documents.
Indoor Garden Prep: Clean your gardening tools and plan your spring layout for when the frost clears.
Digital Cleanup: Delete those 4,000 duplicate screenshots on your phone.
🎲 Games for the Kids (Power-Outage Friendly)
The Floor is Lava: Use cushions and blankets to create a "safe" path across the living room.
Shadow Puppets: If the lights go out, a single flashlight and a blank wall become a theater.
Indoor Camping: Set up a tent or a "blanket fort" in the living room and tell stories.
Board Game Tournament: Dust off Monopoly or Scrabble—loser has to do the dishes once the water is back to normal!
⚠️ Final Freeze Reminders:
Charge Everything: Get your phones, tablets, and power banks to 100% now.
Battery Check: Ensure you have fresh batteries for your flashlights.
Stay Off the Roads: Ice in Houston is no joke—let’s leave the driving to the pros.
Stay safe and stay warm!