Winter Weather Resources
To help you and your loved ones stay safe ahead of the projected winter weather, we created a list of resources to ensure preparedness.
HYDRATION
Drinking enough water in the winter can help keep a person warm, healthy and comfortable. It is important to ensure our bodies can generate enough heat to maintain a healthy body temperature. No matter where you spend your time this season, proper hydration may assist in staying warm and healthy.
WATER DRIPPING
When the weather is very cold, let cold water drip from the faucet. Running water through the pipe — even at a trickle — helps prevent pipes from freezing.
GO BAGS
Every household should be prepared ahead of possible energy outages and have the following items readily available:
- Water (one gallon per person, per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
- Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert.
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help)
GO BAGS FOR PETS
Your winter emergency survival kit should include supplies for your pet and should contain the following:
- Week’s worth of water plus dry and wet food
- A traveling carrier
- Extra harness and collar
- At least seven days worth of medications
- Pet first aid kit
- Copies of your pet’s vaccination and medical records in a waterproof bag
- Disposable litter trays and litter for cats
- Feeding dishes
- Blankets
WHAT TO DO WHEN THERE’S NO POWER
Power outages may be unavoidable during cold weather. Make sure you and your family are prepared in the event of a power outage by taking the following precautionary steps:
- Keep a flashlight and a battery-powered radio nearby
- Seal off windows and door cracks
- Close blinds and curtains to keep in some heat
- Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing
- Report outages to CPS Energy at 210.353.04357 (HELP) or call toll-free at 1.800.870.1006 in rural areas (if you have a smart meter, there’s no need to call because the meter will alert us about the outage)
WHAT TO DO WHEN THERE’S NO WATER
Prior to a winter storm’s arrival, make sure to stock up on plenty of water supplies for the people in your household for drinking and sanitation. A boil water notice may be issued during a winter storm. When notified to boil water, use tap water for boiling before drinking, prepping food, brushing your teeth or making ice. For sanitation purposes, use bathtub water or melted snow to flush your toilet. You can fill the bathtub with water to use to flush toilets if you know of an outage in advance. If you do not have a bathtub, you can fill buckets with water in your stand-up shower.
WHAT TO DO WHEN THERE’S BLACK ICE
Stay home and do not drive during black ice weather advisories. You should remain indoors and off roads to avoid any accidents. If driving is absolutely necessary, do not take your foot off of the gas pedal when encountering black ice. Slow down and do not slam on brakes when driving on icy roads.
Instead, tap the brake pedal gently. If your vehicle begins to skid, steer your wheel in the direction of the skid, steering the wheel in the direction of the skid should help get the vehicle back on track. You should leave distance between yourself and others on the road. Creating distance gives you enough time to react to the vehicle in front of you if it starts to slide.
WHAT TO DO WHEN IT SNOWS
Stay indoors in a heated room and keep warm by wearing warm, loose-fitted clothing and accessories such as hats, gloves, mittens and a scarf. In the event of a power outage, unplug sensitive equipment to protect against any voltage irregularities that may occur as power restores.
If you have to go outside, wear multiple layers of loose-fitted clothing with the outer garments being tightly laced and water-repellent. Avoid strenuous activities such as shoveling snow, pushing a car or walking in deep snow to avoid causing stress on your body.
If you become stranded outdoors, seek shelter to stay dry and make sure all parts of your body are covered.
CALLING 3-1-1
Call 3-1-1 for information on housing assistance in the event that your home is damaged, unsafe or has lost power — you may also call for information on whether the City of San Antonio is declared a federal disaster.
STATE OF TEXAS EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE REGISTRY (STEAR)
You can register for the South of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) program at tdem.texas.gov/stear or by calling 2-1-1 if you are needing emergency assistance. Registering does not guarantee assistance as available services vary by community.
In an emergency always call 9-1-1
For services call 3-1-1 or 210.207.6000
For resources call 2-1-1
Check City, County, and National Weather Service social media for up-to-date information.