Winter Storm Safety Tips 2025
The Texas Department of State Health Services
NUECES COUNTY (News Release) - The National Weather Service of Corpus Christi has issued a Cold Weather Advisory is in effect through the rest of the week. Lows are expected to drop to 32-35 degrees, but the wind chill or 'feel like' temperatures will range from 20-25 degrees by early Monday morning. These wind chills could lead to frostbite or hypothermia if skin is exposed. Wear appropriate clothing, hat, gloves.
Remain indoors if possible. If you must go out, dress accordingly, with layered, wind-resistant clothing, head covering—including your ears—and gloves or mittens to protect yourself against frostbite.
If you must perform work outside, take frequent breaks to warm up, and avoid overexertion.
Have emergency heating equipment approved for indoor use and appropriate fuel. Gas, kerosene, or propane heaters should not be used indoors because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
In case of power loss, have emergency lighting, such as flashlights or lanterns, with a supply of batteries or fuel.
Keep an emergency supply of ready-to-eat, non-perishable food, and an emergency supply of water on hand. Ensure you have a manual can opener available.
Listen to your radio or TV for weather and emergency information. Have a battery-powered radio with spare batteries in case your electricity goes out.
Travel only if absolutely necessary. If you must travel, do so in daylight. Have emergency supplies in your vehicle. Keep a blanket in your vehicle. Consider the use of snow tires or snow chains if appropriate.
Disaster Supply Checklist
Build your kit all at once or step-by-step. Start with what you already have at home; then shop for the rest, as needed.
Pack the basic supplies for each person or pet in a portable container or backpack. A waterproof container is best. You’ll need these supplies whether you stay in your home (shelter in place) or evacuate to another location.
Use the list below or download a PDF of the Disaster Supply Checklist to help you be Texas Ready.
Food and Water
3-day supply of non-perishable food, such as canned or pouched food
1 gallon of water per day for each person and pet
Manual can opener
Baby items (baby food, formula, bottles, diapers)
Pet supplies (more details below)
First Aid, Medication, Hygiene Supplies
First-aid kit (more details below)
Medications
Hand sanitizer, wipes
Bleach – To purify water, mix 1/8 teaspoon per gallon. Stir and let stand for 30 minutes.
Toilet paper, paper towels, garbage bags
Dental care products (toothpaste, toothbrushes)
Hearing and vision products (hearing aids, glasses, contact lenses, contact lens solution)
Soaps, personal hygiene supplies, diapers
Sunscreen, insect repellent
Face masks to filter air
Communication, Lighting, Document Bag Items
Battery-powered radio with extra batteries or crank radio (emergency alert radio is best)
Extra cell phone battery and car charger
Flashlights and extra batteries
Matches and lighter – keep in a waterproof container or sealable plastic bag
Whistle
Reading glasses and sunglasses
Document bag items (more details below)
Add These Items for Evacuating by Car
You may have to leave in a hurry to get to a safe place. Keep these supplies near your car. When it’s time, grab them and go.
Road maps
Car repair items (tools, spare tire, tire patch kit, oil)
Food and water
Plastic plates, cups, utensils
Tent, blankets, pillows
Clothes and sturdy shoes
Rain gear and towels
Books, games, toys
Before you leave home:
Fill your gas tank, and check your spare tire
Take cash, checkbook, and credit cards
Call your family emergency contact
Charge your mobile phone
Get a map of your route
Add These Items for Sheltering in Place
When staying home is your safest choice, add these items to your kit and stay tuned to the news.
Smoke detectors with extra batteries
Carbon monoxide detector (if using generators, charcoal grills, or camp stoves)
Fire extinguisher
Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to seal doors, windows, and air vents from contaminated air or to build an emergency shelter)
First-Aid Kit
Suggested items for inclusion:
2 compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
25 band-aids (different sizes)
First-aid tape
Antibiotic ointment
Hydrocortisone ointment
Pain reliever such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Instant cold pack
2 pairs of medical gloves (non-latex)
Oral thermometer, scissors, tweezers
2 roller bandages (different widths)
2 elastic bandages
10 sterile gauze pads (different sizes)
2 triangular bandages (for making slings)
First-aid instruction booklet
Emergency Documents
Imagine how hard it would be after a disaster if you couldn’t prove your identity or if you didn’t have access to your bank account. Avoid difficult situations by making copies of your important documents and keeping them in a waterproof bag. Include the following items:
Current photo IDs, driver licenses, birth records, Social Security cards, passports (always keep your social security number separate from other documents to decrease the risk of identity theft)
Current photos of family members, in case you get separated
Health insurance and prescription cards
Medical records, medications, and dosages
Phone numbers (family, friends, doctors)
Bank account information
Wills
Insurance documents (homeowner, renter, flood, life)
Property deeds, leases, mortgages
Vehicle titles, insurance, leases, loan documents
Inventory of household possessions and their value (take photos of every room, every drawer, every closet)
Backup computer files on a USB drive
Copies of important keys
Utility bills (to prove where you live)
People with Disabilities and Those with Access and Functional Needs
Think about your day to day needs for independence. Plan now for your health away from home. Label medical equipment with your contact information.
Wheelchairs, walkers, and canes
Cooler with cold packs for medications
Extra medications and dosages
Copies of prescriptions and medical alert tags
Food for special diets
Medical supplies (oxygen, glucose monitoring strips, syringes, etc.)
Hearing aids with extra batteries
Communication devices
Supplies and documentation for service animals
Pet Supplies
3-day supply of pet food, water, and bowls
Pet medications and first-aid kit
Vaccination records
Crate or carrier (may be required in shelters or where you spend the night)
Leash and toys
Cat litter and box
Photo, in case pet gets lost