01/21/2026
If the predictions are anywhere close to correct............it's gonna get western out there folks.
We've compiled a list of suggestions from some of our customers and hope these help with what it sounds like we will be facing in the next few days. Rumor has it, this could be as bad or worse that our 2021 freeze. Our drivers here at Kemp's Wrecker Service, are ready to save the day and come to the rescue of anyone who may find themselves stranded. Thanks to Clif Oates, our heavy operator...........he has sorted snow chains for the various trucks and made sure the trucks are all treated with additive so all the drivers and trucks are ready to rock and roll. Pack extra water, jackets and blankets if you absolutely have to get out on the roads. Also, for an added precaution take along and ice scraper, shovel, jumper cables, flashlight, batteries, an extra phone charger, non perishable food and some cat litter (for traction).
We appreciate our customers who shared some very helpful hints. Be safe and remember, we are available for towing 24/7 (940) 627-3347.
Greg Stewart of Stewart Diesel Performance/Stewart Field Service says the most important thing on a diesel, is to put fuel additive in the tank BEFORE it gets cold. Diesel fuel will start gelling up at 20 degrees and a fuel additive will keep diesel fuel from gelling. If your diesel does gel up, the best thing to do is try to warm it up or wait until the weather warms up. You can place a Torpedo heater in front of the vehicle to try to warm it up, do not put additives in to try to make it ungel and do not try to start it.
Joe Smith and Robert Barnett from Superior Auto reminds everyone to get your Antifreeze tested and if you have a diesel, use power service diesel treatment to prevent gel up.
Jim Bob Little of Waggoner Sauder Ranch has some great ranching tips. Make sure all cattle and livestock have plenty of hay and plenty of water. His hint is for tanks/ponds is to put a 55 gallon metal drum about 6 – 8 feet from the shore and add rocks on the inside up to the first band. Top that with firewood and burn. This will clear a 40’ diameter of water. If you have a smaller area, like his 20’ cement trough, then do the same thing with a smaller, 30 gallon barrel. Also, on your tractors and trucks, remember to add anti gel in the fuel tanks.
Travis with SNT Plumbing says to make sure any water piping that is exposed is covered and insulated. Hose bibs should be drained and covered. If you have a well and well house, make sure it is well insulated and place heat lamp in the well house. Also, don’t forget to leave kitchen and bathroom faucets dripping, he suggests hot water.
Amy Hahn with Decatur Garden Center urges everyone to get some frost cloth for your plants, onions, flowers and herbs. Make sure you water your fruit trees and shrubs well before the freeze and bring anything in pots inside. If you wrap anything like a palm, use cloth, not plastic, always cloth. You can use any kind of burlap, a blanket, or special cloths such as frost cloths. Using plastic creates moisture and the plastic will freeze on the inside.
TX DOT stated that the predictions across board are as bad as 2021, if not worse. They urge everyone to stay home unless absolutely necessary. They are prepping the roads and trying to keep the roads open, however, there is no guarantees that will resolve icy patches on roads and overpasses. They want everyone to be safe and remind everyone that the roads that are more traveled will be treated first.
Tye McMaster of McMaster New Holland suggests keeping tractors stored under a cover, use anti gel and fuel treatment before it gets below freezing. Once it’s gelled it has to thaw out and block heaters and battery maintainers are good to use as well. Every degree below 32 degrees, makes it harder to start a diesel. Warm up the tractors before you start moving them, let them run and bring up to operating temperature. If anyone would like to call for advice, they are available.
Shaun Davie of Decatur Heat and Air suggests that if you have a heat pump, to have it checked out in the next couple of days before the freeze hits. If you have an older heat pump and it doesn’t seem to be heating well, switch it to Emergency Heat. The newer ones, you shouldn’t have to use the Emergency Heat setting.
Dawson Holt of Bob Cat of North TX reminds us to put diesel additive in our compact excavators, skid-steers, compact track loaders, UTV’s, telehandlers and other small equipment. He also said that "saying a little prayer" that your battery starts the next morning couldn’t hurt. Make sure you let your equipment idle and warm up to operating temperatures so the diesel and hydraulic fluid will warm up before you begin operating your equipment.
Michele with B Wise Vet reminds everyone to protect their pets, plants, and pipes. Pets who may not be able to come inside, need to have somewhere covered and out of the wind to stay warm. This could be as simple as a cardboard box with straw or blankets or a sterlite storage bin with added insulation. For stray cats, you can cut an opening in one end of the storage bin, add some cheap, stick on insulation or heat tape inside and set these out for the strays. Dogs need a place to get out of the weather and wind, if available, move them to a barn or shed if temperatures drop below 20 degrees. Keep out fresh water at all times. If you do not have access to a heated bucket or a water tank heater, make sure you dump out the ice and give fresh water. Straw bedding or blankets can be added for extra warmth.
Sabrina Easley with Oncor sent an attachment "check list" with some great info as well and it's attached here.
Thanks so much to these folks for their advice and suggestions.
