The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has issued a warning for residents to prepare for severe winter weather, which may include freezing rain, snow, and ice. Colonel Freeman Martin, the DPS Director, emphasized the importance of prioritizing safety during this unpredictable season. Drivers are encouraged to perform thorough checks on their vehicles to prevent freezing issues and to create emergency kits stocked with food, drink, warm clothes, and phone chargers. To ensure safety on the roads, Texans should verify conditions via Drive Texas and avoid travel during sleet or snow whenever possible. For those who must drive, planning ahead, driving slowly, and keeping the gas tank full are crucial recommendations.

Home safety measures include cleaning heating systems, insulating outdoor taps, and utilizing all-hazards weather radios. Additionally, the DPS advises against using generators indoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and suggests keeping space heaters away from flammable materials. With winter approaching, DPS underscores the necessity of being aware and prepared to navigate potentially hazardous situations.