Winter Storm Alert: How to Stay Safe and Prepared During a Power Outage in Texas

With a major winter storm bearing down on North Texas this week—bringing heavy snow, sleet, ice, and dangerously cold temperatures—power outages are a real possibility. Ice accumulation on lines and trees could lead to widespread disruptions, just like we’ve seen in past events. While utilities work tirelessly to restore service, being prepared can make all the difference in keeping your family safe, warm, and comfortable.

If you don’t have a Generac whole-home standby generator, here are essential best practices to follow during a power outage in winter:

Stay Warm Safely

• Gather everyone (including pets) in one insulated room to conserve body heat—choose a south-facing room if possible for natural sunlight.
• Dress in layers of loose, warm clothing (wool or fleece), wear hats, mittens, and scarves to protect your lungs.
• Use heavy blankets, sleeping bags, or even newspapers to insulate windows and block drafts; close off unused rooms.
• If you have a fireplace or wood stove, use it safely (ensure it’s inspected and vented properly). Avoid using gas stoves, ovens, or portable heaters indoors without proper ventilation.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia (shivering, confusion, drowsiness) or frostbite (numbness, pale skin)—seek medical help if needed.

Protect Food and Water

• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible: A full freezer can stay cold for up to 48 hours, and a refrigerator for about 4 hours.
• Discard any perishable food exposed to 40°F or higher for more than 2 hours, or with unusual odor, color, or texture.
• Store at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for drinking and sanitation—power outages can affect wells or treatment plants.

Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

• Never run a generator, grill, or camp stove indoors, in a garage, or near windows—even with doors open. Use them only outdoors, at least 20 feet from your home.
• Install and test carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups on every level of your home.

Lighting, Communication, and Home Protection

• Use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns (avoid candles to reduce fire risk).
• Charge phones and power banks ahead of time; keep a battery-powered radio for weather updates.
• Unplug sensitive electronics to avoid surge damage when power returns; turn off lights and appliances (except fridge/freezer) to prevent overloads.
• If pipes freeze, keep faucets dripping slightly; know how to shut off water if needed.

These tips from sources like Ready.gov and the American Red Cross can help bridge the gap, but they have limits—especially during extended outages when heat loss, food spoilage, and daily disruptions become major challenges.

The Ultimate Solution: A Generac Whole-Home Standby Generator

A Generac generator from Generator Supercenter automatically detects an outage and restores power in seconds—no manual setup, no extension cords, no refueling hassles. It keeps your heat, lights, refrigerator, medical devices, and more running smoothly, protecting your family from the cold and risks of being without power.

In winter storms like this one, homeowners with Generac systems stay comfortable, avoid frozen pipes, spoiled food, and the stress of blackouts. It’s true peace of mind and a smart investment for Texas weather.

Don’t wait for the storm to hit—protect your home today!

Click here to schedule your free consultation or call us at 817-661-1500 or 325-400-1500 today.

Stay safe out there, and let’s make sure you’re powered up for whatever this storm brings!

Best regards, 
J Scott Utley
Generator Supercenter of Weatherford / Abilene 
#1 Generac Dealer in North America