Winter Weather Information

With winter and the holiday travel season approaching, now is the time to prepare your vehicle and your home for the cold weather. Read the current list of winter weather terms used by the National Weather Service.

Texas Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN)

Protect yourself and your family. The Texas Extension Disaster Education Network has many links to prepare for winter storms and to avoid costly damage to your home, farmstead, ranch or business.

Vehicle preparedness and safety...

• Plan your travel and check the latest forecasts. Avoid winter storms whenever possible.
• Check and winterize your vehicle before starting your travel. Let someone know your timetable and your primary and alternate travel routes.
• Keep your gas tank near full to prevent ice from forming in the fuel lines.
• If you encounter sleet or freezing rain, drive extremely cautiously. Even four-wheel drive vehicles will have difficulty on icy roads.
• If you are planning travel into an area which experiences significant winter storms, carry a winter storm survival kit including blankets, flashlight, high-calorie snack foods, sand, a tow
  rope, booster cables, and a water container.

Preparing your home...

• The primary concerns at home are the potential loss of power and telephone service. If winter weather conditions last for more than a day, then a shortage of supplies may also be a concern.
• Make sure that water pipes near outside walls are well insulated. Repair any leaks which may expose pipes to cold air.
• Have a flashlight and extra batteries available. Use flashlights rather than candles if the electricity goes out.
• Use a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and a portable radio to receive emergency information. As we are in the holiday season, please note that weather radios make excellent gifts.
• If you have a fireplace or wood stove, make sure you have a good supply of firewood. Learn to use any emergency heating sources properly to prevent fires.
• Keep extra medicine, baby items, and first-aid supplies on hand.
• Close off unneeded rooms and place towels or rags in cracks under the doors.
• Check on friends or family members whose health or age may place them at greater risk from severe winter weather.

Weather Links:

If you would like more information about winter weather and the National Weather Service, visit the web page at www.srh.noaa.gov/fwd.