01/22/2026
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BEFORE THE STORM
❄️ Charge all phones, power banks, tablets, and rechargeable lanterns.
❄️ Fill vehicle gas tanks in case stations lose power.
❄️ Pick up prescriptions and essential medications early.
❄️ Locate water shut-off valve and breaker box now, not later.
❄️ Set fridge and freezer to colder settings to hold temperature longer... Remember to set back to regular after the freeze.
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WATER AND PIPE PROTECTION
❄️ Drip faucets on exterior walls when temps drop below freezing.
❄️ Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation.
❄️ Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots.
❄️ Cover outdoor faucets with insulated caps or towels.
❄️ Know how to shut off water quickly if a pipe bursts.
❄️ Fill jugs, buckets, or bathtub with water for flushing and washing.
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FOOD AND KITCHEN PREP
❄️ Keep 3–5 days of no-cook food: peanut butter, tuna, bread, crackers, canned meat, fruit cups.
❄️ Have manual can opener available.
❄️ Freeze a few water bottles to act as freezer “ice packs.”
❄️ Keep a cooler ready to move fridge food outside if power is out and temps are below freezing.
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HEAT AND HOME SAFETY
❄️ Gather extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm layers.
❄️ If using a fireplace, confirm chimney is clear and have dry wood.
❄️ Never run generators or grills inside garages or homes.
❄️ Test smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors.
❄️ Have at least one flashlight per person plus spare batteries.
❄️ Use battery lanterns instead of candles when possible.
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VEHICLE AND TRAVEL
❄️ Bridges, overpasses, and shaded roads freeze first.
❄️ Keep in the car: blanket, water, snacks, phone charger, gloves.
❄️ Park away from large tree limbs when possible.
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POWER OUTAGE PLAN
❄️ Unplug sensitive electronics to avoid surge damage.
❄️ Keep one battery radio or weather app for updates.
❄️ Use surge protectors for TVs and computers.
❄️ Keep refrigerator closed to preserve cold air.
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PETS AND LIVESTOCK
❄️ Bring pets indoors.
❄️ Provide outdoor animals with unfrozen water sources.
❄️ Add straw or blankets to outdoor shelters.
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MEDICAL AND SPECIAL NEEDS
❄️ Have backup batteries for medical devices.
❄️ Identify a place with power you could relocate to if needed.
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PROPERTY PROTECTION
❄️ Secure outdoor furniture and lightweight items.
❄️ Photograph any damage before you repair it.
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DURING THE STORM
❄️ Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.
❄️ Assume downed lines are live and dangerous.
❄️ Use only safe indoor heating methods.
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AFTER THE STORM
❄️ Walk carefully—ice may refreeze overnight.
❄️ Check pipes for leaks as temperatures rise.
❄️ Avoid DIY electrical repairs around downed lines.
❄️ Be patient—restoring power after ice can take several days.
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KEY REALITY FOR SOUTHERN ICE EVENTS
❄️A quarter inch of ice can bring scattered outages.
❄️Half an inch can cripple travel and power for days.
❄️Ice is more dangerous than snow for Texas... So, if your from the north & think you can drive in the storm, just know Most Of Us Texans Don’t Have Those Skills and our road preparations do not compare.
