Are You Prepared for Winter Weather? Tips and Community Resources That Can Help

January and February can bring severe winter weather to San Antonio and surrounding counties. Here is what to expect in the upcoming weeks and how to prepare for extreme weather.

 Arctic blasts and winter cold fronts may include:

• High winds
• A chance of freezing rain, ice, sleet, or snow
• Below freezing temperatures overnight and in the early mornings
• Below freezing temperatures for more than 48 hours

How To Prepare

• Make an Emergency Kit with water, food, flashlights, batteries, blankets, first aid supplies, battery powered radio, baby formula and diapers (if needed), pet food, and medications.
• If you use a medical device or have daily prescriptions, make sure that you have enough to last up to a week.
• Sign up for emergency text alerts from the City of San Antonio.
• Check pipes and external faucets. Wrap them with inexpensive insulation bought from the store or with old sheets or towels.
• If you have a carbon monoxide detector, make sure it is working. Make sure your smoke detectors are also working.
• Make sure you have transportation in case you need to leave your home to get to a warming center.
• Charge all phones and electronic devices.
• Bring all pets inside!
• Cover plants with a sheet or towel or bring them inside.
• Check on older, sick family members or neighbors to see if they need help.

Tips to Stay Warm

• Stay indoors.
• Dress warmly in layers (long sleeve shirt with a sweater, sweatshirt, or flannel on top, plus an outer layer like a winter coat or jacket).
• Wear a hat (even indoors), gloves, scarf, warm socks, and boots or other close-toed shoes.
• If you lose power or don’t have electricity or heat, go to a room without a wall or window to the outside, and close the door. Close off unneeded rooms and place towels or rags under the doors.

Always bring pets inside during extreme cold! 

Warning!

• Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.
• Never leave a fire burning in the fireplace unattended.
• If using a space heater, never leave it unattended. Turn it off every time you leave the room. Make sure it is on a flat surface (not carpet or a rug) and away from bedding or curtains.

How We Can Help

Community First is here to support our Members and community at large as we deal with emergency weather.

Call Member Services to:

• Get medical advice from a registered nurse, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Get a new copy of your Member ID card.
• Replace necessary medical equipment, services, or supplies.

Additional Community Resources & Safety Tips

Safety Tips

Weather Updates