Five ways to prepare now for another winter storm

The devastating winter storm in February dropped snow and ice on Texas and nearly paralyzed the electric grid, causing power and water outages for millions of Texans for days.

Although meteorologists are forecasting weather patterns similar to last winter’s, they say it’s unlikely that Texas will see another winter storm.

But emergency officials caution that disasters, both natural and human-made, can strike at any time. It’s crucial to be prepared and have plans for anything that might arise.

Don’t be caught unaware, especially now that winter weather is starting to show up. Here are five things you can do right now to prepare for a severe weather event in Texas:

Make a plan: Your family might not be together if a disaster strikes, so it’s important to know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect.

Also, it’s crucial to know how you’ll receive emergency alerts and warnings, where your shelter is, what your evacuation route will be and what you’ll need in your emergency kit.

Emergency supply kit: The Bexar County Emergency Management website lists just about everything you need, and the Texas Division of Emergency Management has a checklist for disaster supply kits. Think first-aid gear, two weeks’ worth of water and nonperishable food, cash, personal documents, medication and radios that don’t have to be plugged in.

Charge your devices: Make sure your smartphone, tablets and laptops are fully charged. Charge your power banks and portable chargers. Bring a surge protector with multiple outlets, along with all your cables, if you head to a shelter.

And have other gear ready in case you run out of juice, can’t get to an outlet or find yourself a way to connect to the internet. That means having a batterypowered flashlight (with extra batteries) and a physical map.

Consider also how you’ll pass the time. Rather than draining your phone battery by scrolling through Twitter and playing games, have books and board games at the ready.

Know your neighbors: So many Texans were unprepared for the storm. That’s understandable, given how rare it is for Texas to experience freezing temperatures and snow.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency places tremendous emphasis on embracing a local “neighbors helping neighbors” approach. That means getting to know those around you and those who might need additional help or support before, during or after a disaster.

Lessons from last year: The nearly weeklong arctic blast in February left millions shivering in their homes or cars or flocking to warming stations. People died of exposure to carbon monoxide poisoning, car accidents and fires. Some went hungry.

Hospitals were at risk of losing water and power. Some residents were slapped with $17,000 electricity bills.

Remember that by the time disaster hits, it’s too late to prepare. Many in February didn’t buy propane, gasoline or firewood until supplies had been bought up at grocery and hardware stores.

Ready.gov, a national public service campaign, says the best way to stay warm is to prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking and weather stripping.

Officials also recommend keeping pipes from freezing. They also say to install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.

If you can’t afford heating costs, weatherization or energy-related home repairs, contact the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help.