City of Duncanville

• Stay off roads, if possible, when there is freezing precipitation (ice, freezing rain, sleet). If you have a car accident on the roadway, stay inside your vehicle.
  
• Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, then wear layers of warm clothing.
  
• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
  
• Open cabinets to allow warm air circulation to pipes. Add pipe insulation to exposed pipes. Cover outdoor faucets. Drip faucet if temps are below 28 degrees for multiple hours.
  
• Make sure you are working batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Test them today.
  
• If pipes are frozen, do not use external heat devices to thaw them; this is a fire hazard. If there is snow outside, you can put snow in your toilet bowl to flush toilets once melted.
  
• Ensure fireplaces and chimneys are free of debris and functioning before using them.

Emergency Supplies:

• Purchase food and bottled water to last multiple days.
• Buy shelf stable pantry items, canned food, and ready to eat meals in case the power goes out.
  
• Have water bottles on hand in case pipes are frozen.
  
• Fill your prescriptions ahead of expected winter weather.
  
• Purchase batteries for flashlights.

Power outage safety:

• It’s always better to use flashlights or battery powered lanterns. If using candles, blow them out before leaving the area or going to sleep.
  
• If you have a generator, always keep it outside. Have fuel for it.
  
• Buy a phone power bank in case you can’t use a wall charger. Charge power bank ahead of time.

Pet and Plant Safety:

• Ensure you have pet food to last multiple days.
• Keep pets indoors and warm, only letting them outside for a short time for bathroom breaks.
  
• Know plant temperature thresholds.
  
• If possible, cover plant before the cold weather sets in to help retain some heat.

Stay informed:

• Sign up for the City’s Everbridge system for emergency alerts and for weather alerts.
  
• Regularly check city social media accounts and website for updates.