Carbon monoxide is invisible, odorless, and deadly. During winter storms, the risk goes up sharply when people use generators, gas heaters, or grills indoors. Do not let this happen to you or your family. What to know Never use generators, grills, camp stoves, or fuel-burning heaters indoors or in enclosed spaces Symptoms: dull headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, confusion, shortness of breath Key sign: symptoms improve when you leave the building and return when you go bac

Hypothermia can set in faster than you expect, especially for people who are outside or without heat for extended periods. Know what to look for — in yourself and in the people around you. What to know Call 9-1-1 or get to a hospital immediately if you suspect hypothermia While waiting for help: move to a warm place, warm the center of the body first, cover with blankets including the head and neck In children: bright red, cold skin and very low energy Early symptoms: shiveri

If you can stay home, stay home. If you have to drive, slow down, check conditions first, and give yourself more time than you think you need. Here is what to keep in mind. What to know Do not drive until road treatment crews have done their work Check conditions before leaving: ReadyCentralTexas.org or call TXDOT at 1-800-452-9292 Slow down — speed limits are set for ideal, dry conditions Increase your following distance from 3 seconds to 8–10 seconds on ice or snow Watch f

Frozen pipes are one of the most common — and most costly — problems that come with a hard freeze. A little preparation before temperatures drop can save you a major headache later. What to know Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks to let warm air reach the pipes Let faucets drip — moving water freezes more slowly Disconnect hoses, insulate outdoor faucets and pipes Know where your water shutoff is — turn it off at the first sign of a broken pipe Never use a pr

Pets cannot protect themselves from the cold. Bring them inside, make sure they have fresh water, and never leave them in a parked car during cold weather. What to know Bring pets inside — the safest place for them is a warm, dry, heated space Never leave pets in unattended vehicles during cold weather Make sure pets have fresh, unfrozen drinking water at all times Details During extreme cold, get your pets indoors and keep them there. A parked car in freezing weather acts li

The safest place to be during extreme winter weather is indoors. If you have to go out, be prepared. And no matter what, check on the people around you. What to know Stay indoors whenever possible Keep your phone and devices fully charged — they may be your only communication if power goes out If you go outside, dress in layers and protect your head, hands, neck, face, and ears Wear closed-toe shoes with nonskid or lug soles on ice or snow Never use an oven, stove, grill, or

Having a stocked emergency kit means you can shelter in place through a winter storm without having to go out for supplies. Build yours around the specific needs of everyone in your household — including your pets. What to know Start with the basics: food, water, hygiene items, first aid supplies, and personal documents Think about everyone in your household — including children, elderly family members, people with medical conditions, and pets Make sure you have enough medica