Coping with Long-Term Power Outages in Freezing Weather Conditions

The safety of our patients and community is our top priority. Due to the winter weather conditions that are impacting our roadways, the following facility updates are being put in place for Monday, February 15th - Wednesday, February 17th. We will continue to provide updates to our community as they occur. Visit our Severe Weather Updates page for facility status updates.

A power outage in the winter months can be dangerous, exposing people to low temperatures as heat shuts off, preventing people from running necessary medical equipment, and removing the ability to store temperature-sensitive medications in the fridge for an extended period.

If you are experiencing a power outage from the winter storm, use these tips to try to stay safe and warm inside:

• Use a back-up generator to power necessary medical devices, space heaters, and other electronics you may need. Keep the generator outside to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• If you don’t have a generator, store medications that require refrigeration in a cooler with ice packs.
• Use layers of clothing and blankets to help keep you warm.
• Keep flammable materials away from space heaters and fireplaces.
• Follow safety guidelines precisely from the manufacturer’s instructions for portable heaters, stoves, generators, and other devices.
• Never leave children unattended near a fire or portable heater.
• Locate your nearest public facility designated as a warming shelter. If you do need to go there, bring a mask or face covering and hand sanitizer. Do your best to maintain a distance of six feet from everyone else and avoid touching high-traffic areas, like handrails. If you feel sick, tell shelter staff immediately.
• Contact your local health department if you need additional assistance.

When the roads ice over, your tires lose traction and can spin uncontrollably, putting you in danger. It’s best to avoid driving in icy conditions, but if you need to go somewhere, use our Texan’s Guide to Driving in the Winter to help you get to your destination safely.

Read our cold weather myths to help you stay safe during the winter storm.

In preparation for future storms, consider purchasing a back-up generator if you don’t have one. Make sure you have a seven-day supply of medications and plenty of non-perishable food so you don’t have to leave your home.

If you have questions, call your Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Group primary care physician. You can also find more information about winter weather preparedness during the pandemic on the CDC’s website.