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How Texans can prepare for extreme weather

Natural disasters — including winter storms, hurricanes, extreme heat, wildfires and droughts — can happen at any time. Preparation is key to staying safe during an emergency.

The Texas Capitol during the winter storm on Feb. 16, 2021.

Building a disaster kit

Eboni Davis and her boyfriend Jesse Holloway load water into their car outside an H-E-B grocery store in Houston on Nov. 28, 2022.

Signing up for disaster notifications

A road sign along Ben White Blvd. in South Austin warns motorists of icy conditions as unprecedented winter storm conditions grip the state of Texas on Feb 13, 2021.

Winter storm preparation

Whitney Morrow serves dinner, cooked on a propane camping stove, by a battery-powered desk light used for working from home in Wooten, Austin on Feb. 6, 2023.

How to prepare your home ahead of freezing weather

Additional winter-related emergency supplies

Hurricane and flood preparation

Rescuers and volunteers help evacuate a neighborhood along Eldridge Parkway flooded by waters released from Addicks Reservoir on Aug. 30, 2017, in Houston, added to flooding from Hurricane Harvey.

How to prepare for a hurricane

What to do when a hurricane is approaching

What to do after a hurricane hits

How to prepare for flooding

What to do in case of flooding 

Extreme heat preparation

Val Martin and Ashford Joseph rehydrate after climbing stairs in Eleanor Tinsley Park as temperatures hit 100 degrees Fahrenheit in Houston, on July 12, 2023.

How to prepare for a heat-related event

What to avoid during excessive heat

Wildfire preparation

Officials responded to the Powder Keg Pine Fire near Bastrop State Park, on Aug. 1, 2023.

How to prepare for a wildfire

What to do during a wildfire

What to do after a wildfire

Drought preparation

A customer exits the West Bear Creek General Store after making a purchase on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, in Junction. A sign outdoors reads “Pray For Rain” as local residents endure exceptional drought conditions according to the National Integrated Drought Information System.

How to conserve water

Recovering after a natural disaster

Dora Portello, right, hands out boxes of free food to help people outside of their store, Brianna’s Home Decor Thrift Shop, during the winter weather that went through Dallas on Feb. 2, 2023.

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