While the weather across Texas varies considerably, many of you respond to emergency dispatches in cold, icy, wet weather. As you all know, there is no ice or snow days in Fire, EMS or Law Enforcement, so as you prepare to take care of our cold, injured, and ill Texans, please remember the following in your pre-plan.

• Review your needs/plan to address the routine schedule transports from nursing homes and dialysis centers to continue providing this valuable service throughout the event.
• Ensure your emergency vehicles have amble fuel and a back up plan in the event your normal fueling operations is not accessible.
• Wear appropriate cold-weather clothing and add layers to provide insulation.
• Wear insulated, waterproof shoes/boots. Cold, wet feet are not only uncomfortable, but they can lead to cold stress.
• Have extra socks and clothing in case your feet get wet from the rain, snow, or ice.
• Wear a hat or hood to reduce heat loss from the head.
• Frigid temperatures cause your body to work harder to maintain its temperature, so a few extra steps help you protect against cold stress.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• As always remember the 3 Ps, pets, plants, and pipes!
• Visit Texas Ready for live weather alerts and additional safety tips.

Planning now will gets us all through this weather event!
Take care, Friends!”