The first day of winter is next week. Are you prepared

The first day of winter is next week. Are you prepared?

Published on December 17, 2025

Even though severe winter storms are not frequent in the City of Fort Worth, when they do arrive, they often come quickly and can disrupt transportation, electricity, water systems and daily life. Preparing early helps reduce risks and keeps families safe.

The City's Office of Emergency Management (OEM) monitors weather systems, coordinates with City departments and utilities, provides timely alerts, supports response teams and shares guidance to help residents prepare before conditions worsen. OEM issues early alerts when temperatures drop rapidly, when icing is likely or when high energy demand could impact power reliability.

When residents take small steps like insulating pipes, stocking essentials and signing up for alerts, the entire neighborhood becomes more resilient and safer. The City is committed to providing timely updates through official communication channels, including the MyFW app, emergency alerts, social media channels and the City's website.

Basic tips

• Weatherproof doors and windows.
• Have a three-day supply of food, water and medications.
• Prepare for power outages by ensuring you have supplies such as flashlights, first aid items, batteries, blankets, nonperishable food and water.
• Limit opening outside doors to retain heat.
• Never use outdoor grills or generators indoors.
• Check on elderly or medically vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Weatherize your vehicle

• Keep an emergency kit (jumper cables, blankets, water, charger).
• Maintain at least half a tank of fuel.
• Check battery health, as cold weather drains it faster.
• Avoid driving on icy roads unless necessary.

Protect your pipes

Remember to insulate all outside pipes or pipes in unheated areas with proper insulation materials. Keep cabinet doors under your sinks open to let warm air circulate around pipes. Keep your heat on, even if you're not home, and turn OFF your irrigation systems. Make sure to keep water on hand in case of a water shortage due to frozen pipes, and know where your private main water shutoff valve is in case of a burst pipe.

Call Fort Worth Water's customer service line at if you are experiencing a water shortage. Find more information on how to protect your pipes.

Don't forget your furry friends!

When temperatures drop below freezing, Fort Worth Animal Care & Control urges pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their furry family members safe and comfortable in cold weather. Below is a checklist to ensure your pets stay protected from the harsh elements. By taking these simple yet effective steps, you can ensure your pet pals remain safe, warm and comfortable throughout the winter season.

As temperatures drop, remember: If it's too cold for you, it's too cold for your pets.

• Bring all pets inside when it's below 20 degrees: When temperatures dip below 20 degrees, it's essential to bring all pets inside. For puppies, kittens and short-haired pets, it's crucial to bring them inside when the temperature falls below 35 degrees. Cold weather can be especially dangerous for these pets!
• Provide shelter for outdoor pets: If your pets live outdoors, it's crucial to provide proper shelter to protect them from the cold. The shelter should be elevated off the ground to prevent the cold from seeping up. Additionally, ensure the shelter has three enclosed sides and ample bedding to keep your pet warm and shielded from the wind.
• Ensure fresh water access: Pets can suffer from dehydration in cold weather, just as they can in the heat of summer. Dehydration can lead to serious health issues like kidney failure. Ensure your pets always have access to fresh water and use heated water bowls to prevent the water from freezing.

See more tips on pet safety during cold weather.

Help for the homeless

The City manages an emergency overnight overflow sheltering program for individuals experiencing homelessness on dangerously cold nights to ensure beds are available for all who need a safe place to go. Learn more. If residents see an individual experiencing homelessness during extremely cold weather, they are encouraged to call 911 so a welfare check can be completed.

Safety measures for city streets

If you must leave your house and hit the road, know that the City's Transportation & Public Works and Stormwater departments are prepared for icy road conditions and winter weather. They have already completed their annual winter-weather drill to ensure all staff are trained, understand response procedures and can act quickly during an actual event. All equipment has been serviced and winterized, including brine equipment, spreaders and trucks, which have been fully inspected, calibrated and prepared for deployment.

Important contact information

• All emergencies: 911
• Fire Department non-emergency: 817-923-6699
• Police Department non-emergency: 817-392-4222
• Fort Worth Water Department Customer Service for outages and main breaks: 817-392-4477
• To report power lines down: 911
• ONCOR power outages: 888-313-4465 or text "out" at 66267
• Atmos Energy: 888-286-6700
• 311 Fort Worth Contact Center: 817-392-1234 or visit Customer Care.

Photo: Fort Worth usually receives at least one blast of arctic air, snow and ice each winter. Are you ready?

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