In many parts of Texas, severe winter weather can endanger people, animals and property. With some planning you can help protect yourself, your family and keep your property losses to a minimum. When storms are threatening, monitor NOAA Weather Radio and your local radio and television stations.

Winter storms are considered deceptive killers because most fatalities are indirectly related to the storm. About 70 percent of injuries due to ice and snow are the result of vehicle accidents. If you must travel when winter storms threaten, keep your car well maintained, keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice and condensation build-up in the fuel lines and do not travel alone. Your winter storm survival kit for vehicles should include:

Blankets/sleeping bags

Radio, flashlight, extra batteries

First-aid kit

High-calorie, non-perishable food and bottled water

Extra clothing, including mittens and hat

Sack of sand or cat litter for de-icing roadway

Windshield scraper and brush

Tool kit, tow rope, shovel, flares and maps

Jumper cables

Cell phone with charger, or two-way radio

Wooden matches in a waterproof container.

Chief concerns associated with winter weather are loss of heat, power and telephone service, as well as a shortage of supplies. It is important to keep the following supplies on hand to survive three to five days:

Battery powered NOAA Weather radio

Extra medicine, medical supplies and items needed by babies or the elderly

Heating fuel if you are in an area where fuel carriers may not be able to get through

Properly ventilated emergency heating source such as a fireplace, wood stove or space heater

Fire extinguisher, smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector

Extra food and water for several days. Keep canned food and a can opener, and at least one gallon of water per person per day.

- Source: Governor's Division of Emergency Management