AUSTIN — It may not feel like winter is right around the corner right now, but as they saying goes, "If you don't like the weather in Texas, just wait five minutes."
"As we know all too well, Texas weather can change in an instant," Steven McCraw, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), said. "Every year, Texas faces serious dangers brought on by winter weather conditions, including freezing temperatures, ice, sleet and even snow."
And it never hurts to prepare ahead of time.
"Taking extra safety precautions now could make all the difference during these potentially severe weather events this winter," McCraw said.
To help your car or truck survive the winter, you can check the battery, windshield wipers (including freeze-resident fluid), tire tread, tire pressure and fluid levels. It also helps to take time to lubricate door and trunk locks to prevent them from freezing.
Drivers are also encourage to keep some emergency supplies in their cars -- just in case. These things include: blankets or sleeping bags; extra clothing; a flashlight and extra batteries; a first aid kid; a pocket knife; high calorie, non-perishable foods and bottled water; a bag of sand or cat litter for tire traction; an all-hazards weather radio; a windshield scraper; a tool kit; booster cables; a tow rope and a shovel.
You should always monitor local weather broadcasts for up-to-the-minute updates, and make sure you have inclement weather phone numbers for school and work.
Allow extra time when traveling in inclement weather and avoid doing so if possible. If you have to travel, drive slowly and increase the distance required for stopping.
At home, insulate your faucets and pipes near outer walls to keep them from freezing and busting. Make sure furnaces, fireplaces and heaters are clean, well-ventilated and in working condition before using them. Stock up on firewood and supplies such as canned goods and bottled water. And if you're going to be away from your home for a long period of time, set your thermostats to 55 degrees or higher and open cabinets under sinks.
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Finally, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, you should never operate generators or other fuel-powered devices inside a home or enclosed space.
Be safe out there, y'all!