Preparing for a Winter Storm

You moved to the Lone Star State for its temperate climate. But the 2021 Texas snowstorm taught you that you can’t outrun snow even in Texas. Now, you’re more serious than ever about preparing for a winter storm.

In February 2021, a historic winter outbreak bought freezing rain, sleet, and snow to the southeastern part of Texas. However, the storm also brought extremely cold temperatures lasting for days. 

The good news? Even though you might have been caught off guard in 2021, you don’t have to allow winter weather to cripple you again in 2022 and beyond.

Here’s a rundown on three tips to help you to prepare for a future winter storm in Texas.

Let’s dig in!

1. Steps for Preparing for a Winter Storm Should Include Getting a Battery Pack

Purchasing a battery pack is one of the best moves you can make to prepare for a winter storm. Why? Because you can charge a battery pack with electricity and then use it to provide the backup power you need for 10-20 hours.

Battery packs provide finite amounts of power. However, they can be helpful during spotty and brief outages. 

2. Get an Emergency Kit

Before a potential winter storm hits, be sure to store enough emergency items to last you for 2-3 days. Your emergency kit should include the following:

• A gallon of water for each person daily
• A weather radio
• Flashlights
• Batteries

Other necessities include a can opener, socks, and blankets. Also, try to keep cash on hand in the event that your credit cards don’t work.

You can also add distractions like your favorite books or playing cards to your emergency stash. This may help you to stay calm and pass time as needed, which will ultimately protect your mental and emotional health. 

3. Store Food

Finally, be sure to keep foods containing fiber and protein on hand for your next winter snowstorm. This will keep your gut healthy and keep your level of energy up.

Some simple meals to include in your emergency stash include ramen, beans, and rice. These are quick to make if your home still has power. 

If you don’t have power, then stick with packaged or canned tuna. Consider also investing in meal kits, beef jerky, tofu, and milk that is shelf-stable. Apples can be another great addition because they tend to last a long time.

Veggie and fruit pouches are good snack options for children. 

How We Can Help

In addition to teaching you about preparing for a winter storm, we are proud to offer top-notch medical care at Physicians Premier. At our freestanding ER in Bryan, TX, we are committed to treating you in the most efficient, compassionate, and patient-centered manner possible.

When you arrive at our facility, you will be seen immediately. In this way, we can make sure that you receive the medical care you need right away. In addition, we use advanced technology to make the diagnosis process smoother.

Contact us to learn more about how our services can enhance your health and quality of life both short term and long term.

Sources:

National Weather Service. “Valentine’s week winter outbreak 2021: snow, ice, & record cold” Weather.gov, n.d., https://www.weather.gov/hgx/2021ValentineStorm

Ready.gov. “Food” Ready.gov, n.d., https://www.ready.gov/food

SanSone, A. “The 6 best home battery storage systems of 2021” Treehugger, 13 July 2021, https://www.treehugger.com/best-home-battery-storage-systems-5192244

Villarreal, A. “14 ways to prepare for the next winter freeze” TexasMonthly, 17 Nov. 2021, https://www.texasmonthly.com/being-texan/14-ways-prepare-winter-freeze/