With snow and ice returning to Dallas-Fort Worth, here’s how to prepare
February will mark a year since a major winter storm hit Texas, causing massive power outages across the state and dangerous road conditions.
Here’s how to make sure your family is prepared for icy weather, snow and sub-freezing temperatures in Texas.
Is the Texas power grid stable?
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, also known as ERCOT, filed its final winter weatherization readiness report of the season with the Public Utility Commission of Texas on Tuesday. According to the report, 321 out of 324 electric generation units and transmission facilities — or about 99% — fully passed inspection for new winterization regulations from the commission.
Prior to the winter season, ERCOT assessed five extreme scenarios of the state’s power supply, estimating how much electricity Texans are expected to demand and how much electricity power plants are expected to produce ahead of each season.
More: Texas grid vulnerable to blackouts during severe winter weather, ERCOT estimates show
Texans can view the current power demand conditions on the ERCOT website, ercot.com, which has a graphic showing demand and total capacity in real time.
Here are ways North Texans can prepare for freezing temperatures in their homes:
Winter storm watch vs winter storm warning
A winter storm watch is the possibility of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet. According to national public service campaign Ready, watches are issued 12 to 48 hours before the beginning of a winter storm.
A winter storm warning is when severe weather is imminent or occurring, and are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before it begins, according to the Ready campaign.
How to prepare an emergency kit for severe winter weather
Food and water: The Texas Ready disaster supply checklist advises households to have at least a three-day supply of nonperishable foods and pet food along with one gallon of water per person and pet. A manual can opener can come in handy for nonperishable items in cans.
Devices and backup power: In case of a power outage, a flashlight and extra batteries should be included in an emergency supply kit. A battery-powered or crank radio should also be kept on hand to receive emergency alerts and updates. A backup cellphone battery charger and car charger are also included in the Texas Ready checklist.
Toiletries and other essentials: Everyday items such as toilet paper, soap, dental care products, and medications should all be kept on hand in case of emergency. The Texas Ready checklist also includes a first-aid kit and hand sanitizer, along with matches and a lighter kept in a waterproof container or sealed in a plastic bag.
Staying warm: Limit time outdoors or stay inside completely if possible and dress warmly in layers with blankets on hand. The United States Environmental Protection Agency advises to open curtains and window shades during the day to warm the indoor air and close them at night to retain heat.
When using a generator, only keep it outside and within 20 feet from a structure and away from windows.
How to prevent pipes from bursting in cold weather
The Texas Department of Insurance advises Texans to wrap all exposed pipes in your home and cover all outdoor pipes to keep them insulated.
If your home is without power, avoid using exterior doors to keep the warm air inside. Heating a home with a working fireplace and dripping faucets are other ways to decrease the chances of pipes bursting.
The Texas Department of Insurance created a YouTube video in December titled “How to prevent pipes from freezing” with more tips on keeping pipes secure.
How do I receive updates on severe winter weather?
Oncor customers can get updates on the website and from its 24-hour outage line at 888-313-4747, the Star-Telegram previously reported. The electric delivery company will also offer text alerts and updates on weather and emergency situations provided through its My Oncor mobile application.
Other groups, such as ERCOT, will utilize their social media pages to keep people updated.
More: How Texas plans to communicate with you if another winter storm leaves us in the dark
What do know if you work outdoors
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued winter weather safety tips, including preventing slipping on ice and identifying different types of cold stress.
For navigating icy conditions, OSHA recommends wearing water-resistant footwear with insulation and traction. If you working outside and there’s ice on the ground, it’s best to take it slow with short steps when walking.
Types of cold stress include hypothermia, frostbite and trench foot.
Hypothermia: When body temperature drops to 95 degrees Fahrenheit or less. Moderate to severe symptoms include confusion, slurred speech, slow heart rate and breathing and loss of consciousness.
According to the Ready campaign, those experiencing hypothermia should go inside, warm the chest, neck, head and groin areas first and keep dry and wrapped up in warm blankets, including the head and neck.
Frostbite: Loss of feeling and color around places such as the hands and feet. Symptoms include numbness; gray or white patches on reddened skin; and firm, hard and blistery skin.
To address frostbite, the Ready campaign suggests soaking in warm water and to avoid massaging or using a heating pad on affected areas.
Trench foot: Injury to the foot caused by lengthy exposure to a wet and cold environment. Symptoms include redness, swelling, numbness and blisters.
To prevent trench foot, also known as immersion foot, OSHA recommends wearing water-resistant footwear or rubber overshoes when outside in cold and wet weather.
This story was originally published January 20, 2022 at 2:07 PM.
