By: Adriane Whitman
Many people enjoy winter as a favorite time of year because of the holiday cheer and celebrations, but it also brings plummeting temperatures. Cold weather, snow and ice are some of the dangers people face. Although Texas doesn't typically experience snow outside of the Panhandle, history shows that the state is not immune to experiencing freezing weather.
Cold weather can be life-threatening. Properly preparing yourself, your family and your home for the freezing temperatures the season brings is essential for your safety and to minimize disruptions. From dressing appropriately to heating your home, the American Red Cross offers these safety tips to protect yourself and others this winter.
Protect Yourself, Loved Ones and Pets
- Wear layers of clothing such as a hat, gloves and waterproof, insulated boots.
- Use caution when tackling strenuous tasks like raking leaves or working out in cold temperatures.
- Prepare an emergency kit: Include a first aid kit, batteries, flashlights, a portable radio, candles, water and a non-electric can opener.
- Watch for hypothermia and frostbite. Hypothermia symptoms include confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering.
- Frostbite symptoms include numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness or waxy feeling skin.
- Seek medical attention when needed.
- Check on your neighbors, especially older adults living alone, people with disabilities and children.
- If possible, bring your pets inside during cold winter weather.
- Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas and ensure they can access non-frozen drinking water. If the animals are outside, make sure snow drifts, ice or other obstacles do not block their access to food and water.
Protect your Home
- If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard, nonflammable surface.
- Give it space and keep children, pets, drapes and anything flammable at least 3 feet away.
- Plug directly into the power outlet and never into an extension cord.
- Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended.
- Use a glass or metal fire screen to contain fire and embers.
- Never use a cooking range or stove to heat your home.
- Always turn off portable heaters when you leave a room or go to sleep.
- Open cabinet doors to circulate warmer air around the plumbing.
- Let cold water drip from the faucet at a trickle.
- Don't set your thermostat temperature below 55˚
- Caulk and weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cold air out.
- Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic from the inside to provide an extra insulation layer to keep cold air out.
- Test your carbon monoxide and smoke alarms.
- Get your chimney inspected and cleaned and your furnace inspected to ensure it's safe.
- Cover outdoor faucets and exposed pipes. Disconnect hoses from outside faucets and use insulated faucet covers.
Winter weather preparation is more than the holidays, shopping and festive meals. Prioritizing your safety will help you avoid complications caused by cold weather and freezing temperatures. Proper winter preparation will safeguard your home and allow you to create more enjoyable memories with your loved ones.