An arctic blast is expected to bring dangerously cold temperatures and winter precipitation to North Texas this weekend. Our region has a high risk of snow and ice, which may create hazardous travel conditions and prompt road closures. 

State agencies are currently monitoring the power grid and natural gas supply as the storm system begins to move across the state. Gov. Greg Abbott has activated state emergency resources beginning Thursday, Jan. 22. 

Winter storms can be deadly, and we encourage all North Texans to prepare for extreme cold, snow and ice to protect themselves and their families. Our team at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas has compiled a list of local resources and tips that can help support you during this potentially dangerous weather event. 

How to Prepare for Winter Storms and Extreme Cold 

• Create an emergency kit with winter-specific items, including: 

• • Rock salt or other EPA-recommended products to melt ice on walkways 

• • Sand or kitty litter to improve your vehicle’s traction 

• • Shovels or other snow removal equipment 

• • Alternate heating solutions, such as dry, seasoned firewood if you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove (Use caution and ventilation with space heater sources!) 

• • Adequate clothing and blankets to keep warm 

• Locate your home’s water supply shut-off so you are prepared to turn off the water in case your pipes burst. 

• Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water. 

• Make a family communications plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do in case of an emergency. 

• Consider purchasing a NOAA Weather Radio, which broadcasts alerts and warnings directly from the National Weather Service for all hazards, or sign up to receive notifications from your local emergency services, such as the Dallas Police Department.  

• Weatherize your homes by insulating your windows. Weatherize your vehicles by following your car’s maintenance guide and using winter or all-weather tires. 

• Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle. Consider including items such as winter boots, additional clothing layers, kitty litter (which improves your vehicle’s traction if you get stuck in snow or ice), extra food and water, and a small shovel.

How to Stay Safe During Winter Storms and Extreme Cold 

• Stay indoors if possible. 

• Move carefully on snowy or icy walkways. 

• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. 

• Stay dry. Wet clothing loses its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly. 

• Watch for frostbite, which occurs when the skin and body tissue beneath it freezes.  

• • Symptoms: Loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities—such as fingers, toes, earlobes, face and nose. 

• • What to do: Cover exposed skin, but do not rub the affected area in an attempt to warm it up. Seek immediate medical help. 

• Prevent hypothermia, which occurs when your body temperature drops to a dangerous level (below 95 degrees Fahrenheit). 

• • Symptoms: Uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. 

• • What to do: Get to a warm location. Remove wet clothing. Warm the center of the body first by wrapping in warm, dry blankets or clothing. Drink warm, non-alcoholic beverages if conscious. Seek immediate medical help. 

• During snow and ice storms, drive only if necessary. Travel during the day or keep others informed of your schedule. Stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts. 

• During freezing temperatures, you can minimize the risk of burst water pipes by keeping kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open and leaving faucets on a slow drip. 

• If pipes freeze, remove any insulation or layers of newspapers and wrap pipes in rags. Open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they were most exposed to the cold (or where the cold was most likely to penetrate). 

• Maintain ventilation when using kerosene heaters to avoid build-up of toxic fumes. Refuel kerosene heaters outside and keep them at least 3 feet from flammable objects. Please note: Never use generators, grills or camp stoves indoors. Make sure your home is equipped with a carbon monoxide detector. 

• Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms. 

• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Find a Local Warming Center 

During extreme cold, local officials open and operate warming centers for people who lose power or are experiencing homelessness. If you lose heat and/or power for several hours or have insufficient supplies to keep warm, consider sheltering elsewhere.  

• Listen to local news or authorities for shelter information or instructions. 

• View a map of warming centers and shelters here. 

• To find the nearest public shelter in your area, text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) - (e.g., SHELTER20472).

• Bring any personal items that you would need to spend the night (such as toiletries and medicines). Take precautions when traveling to the shelter. Dress warmly in layers, wear boots, mittens and a hat. 

• Protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible. 

Additional Cold Weather Preparedness Resources 

• Dial 2-1-1 for expert help and connection to local community resources. 

• Check road conditions at DriveTexas.org. 

• View the City of Dallas Winter Weather Preparedness website here. 

• View the City of Dallas Winter Weather Operations Plan here. 

• Access winter weather safety tips by visiting TexasReady.gov. 

• Find general preparedness information at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.