Winter Storm Checklist

Your safety and well-being are TXST’s top priority. Below is a list for before, during, and after a winter storm event.

Before a Winter Storm

  • TXST will communicate about university operations, such as delayed starts and closures, through TXSTATE Alert texts and emails.
  • Turn off all unnecessary lighting and appliances.
  • Be cognizant of the potential for water intrusion.
  • Inspect and fuel up all vehicles. 
    • Remember, a running vehicle can be used to charge phones and  devices, but this must be done in a well-ventilated area to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Stock up on non-perishable food for your dorm, office, work area (three days of canned, dry food at a minimum) and water (one gallon per person per day is recommended).
  • Purchase and routinely maintain portable chargers, hand crank charging stations, batteries, LED lanterns, and flashlights. (NO items using FLAMES).
  • Obtain blankets and insulated gloves. 
  • Have a plan to communicate with friends and loved ones by text message on a routine basis to let them know you are well.

Faculty and Staff

  • Research staff should prepare laboratory facilities by completing or shutting down experiments, backing up computer data, storing materials, and securing rooms.

Build an Emergency Supply Kit & Go‐Bag

Once an event occurs, running water, refrigeration, and telephones may be unavailable and you should be prepared to be self‐sufficient for at least three days. You may not be at your residence when an emergency takes place so keep some additional supplies in your car and at work, considering what you would need for your immediate safety. 

  • Store your Emergency Supply Kit in an easily accessible location and stock it appropriately for easy storage. You should be prepared to be self‐sufficient for at least three days.
  • A component of your Emergency Supply Kit is a Go‐Bag. Put these items in a backpack or another easy to carry container in case you must evacuate quickly. 
    • Prepare one Go‐Bag for each person and make sure each has an I.D. tag. 

During a Winter Storm

  • Stay indoors throughout the entire storm as much as possible.
  • Follow the instructions of university officials.
  • Never use a gas range or oven for heating. Using a gas range or oven for heating can cause a build up of carbon monoxide (CO) inside your home or apartment.
    • CO is an odorless gas that can result serious bodily harm or death. Visit the CDC webpage to learn about carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms.
  • Do not attempt to travel between floors using elevators due to potential for power loss and entrapment.
  • Do not use candles during power outages due to the increased fire hazard.
  • Telephone calls should be made only in case of emergency since non‐emergency calls can overload the phone systems.

Report all accidents, injuries to the University Police Department at 9-1-1.

After a Winter Storm

Once the storm abates, essential staff will assess campus conditions and advise which buildings and facilities can be used safely for classes and other purposes. If necessary, recommendations for repair work or building closures will also be made.