Storm Recovery Safety Tips

Winter Storm Recovery Safety Tips

This week has unfortunately brought about many challenges and uncertainty, and as we look toward beginning the recovery process the following tips will help:

  1. Ramp up slowly. As you regain power, gradually plug in, and turn on only essentials to lower your impact on the electric grid.
  2. Know where your shutoff valve is. After power has been restored and your home begins warming up, any cracked pipes could flood your home. Turn water off at the main valve, which is usually located under a lid by your curb.
  3. When in doubt, throw it out. Discard perishable food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more.
  4. Consult your doctor. Certain medications need to be kept refrigerated. If you lost power, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking your medicine.
  5. Don’t have power yet? Report your outage to your utility company. Also, prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by using generators, charcoal grills, and fossil fuels only outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
    Help is available.
  6. Boil water before use. Millions of Texans are under a boil water notice. Faucet water needs to be boiled first to destroy potential bacteria before it is safe for you or your pets to consume.
winter weather preparedness

Warming Centers

For stranded motorists, those without power, and anyone in need of warmth, warming stations are available at locations across the state. For shelters or community assistance programs, call 3-1-1 (Dallas residents) or 2-1-1 (elsewhere in Texas).

The National Guard is deployed across Texas to conduct welfare checks and assist local authorities in helping those in need find a local warming station.