Winter Weather

Although rare in Friendswood, winter storms can create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, and carbon monoxide poisoning.

IF YOU ARE UNDER A WINTER STORM WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY

  • Stay off roads.
  • Stay indoors and dress warmly.
  • Prepare for power outages.
  • Listen for emergency information and alerts.
  1. Prepare NOW
  2. Survive DURING
  3. Be Safe AFTER

NOW

  • Sign up for the Friendswood Notification System. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
  • Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking and weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.
  • Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms.
  • Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Remember the needs of your pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights.  If you are able to, set aside items like soap, hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol, disinfecting wipes, and general household cleaning supplies that you can use to disinfect surfaces you touch regularly.
  • Learn the signs of, and basic treatments for, frostbite and hypothermia.

Winter Fire Safety

  1. Space Heaters
  2. Candles
  3. Generators

Space Heaters

  • Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from things that can burn.
  • Keep children at least 3 feet from space heaters.
  • Turn space heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
  • Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets and never into an extension cord or power strip.
  • Purchase and use space heaters that have an automatic shut-off—if they tip over, they shut off.
  • Purchase and use heaters that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory.
  • Choose a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm that is listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Install and maintain CO alarms inside your home to provide early warning of carbon monoxide.