Preparing for an ice storm or a winter power outage in Dallas–Fort Worth, TX

Ice storms and winter power outages can happen in Dallas–Fort Worth. Ready.gov, the federal government's emergency preparedness site, has a winter weather guide with steps like these [1].

1. Build a kit before the storm. Include drinking water, food that does not need cooking, your medicines, a flashlight, extra batteries and warm blankets [1]. 2. Protect your water pipes. Frozen pipes can break. Ready.gov explains how to keep them from freezing, so read it before cold weather arrives [1]. 3. Stay warm safely. Wear warm layers. If the power goes out, stay together in one room to keep warm [1]. 4. Never run a generator, grill or camp stove inside your home or garage. They make carbon monoxide, a gas you cannot see or smell that can kill [1].

For weather alerts, check the National Weather Service Fort Worth/Dallas office. It posts winter storm watches and warnings for this area [2]. Check it often when cold weather is forecast, and follow what it says [2].

For electricity questions, go to the Public Utility Commission of Texas. It oversees electric service in the state [3]. Its site explains your rights as an electricity customer and how to make a complaint [3]. Electricity rules in Texas are different from many other states, so use this Texas source for your questions [3].

Sources [1] Ready.gov (FEMA): https://www.ready.gov/ [2] National Weather Service, Fort Worth/Dallas office: https://www.weather.gov/fwd/ [3] Public Utility Commission of Texas: https://www.puc.texas.gov/