Extreme Weather & Disaster Preparedness

When extreme weather strikes, know how to keep you and your family safe.

During Extreme Cold...keep warm, stay dry!

Winter Weather Safety

Extreme Cold is an extended period of time with temperatures consistently between 32 and 14 degrees, or colder.

Extreme cold conditions are dangerous and can be life-threatening. Most cold-related illnesses are preventable.

Those most at risk of cold-related illnesses include:

• The very old
• The very young
• Those with chronic health conditions

Dallas County residents needing temporary relief from the cold are encouraged to use any County of Dallas public facility including recreation centers and libraries, available during regular business hours.
Please see below for Warming Centers in Dallas.

1. Fair Park Grand Place, 3701 Grand Ave, Dallas, TX, 75210
2. Oak Lawn United Methodist Church, 3014 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX, 75219

Tarrant County residents needing temporary relief from the cold are encouraged to use any Extreme Cold Warming Center in the county and beyond.
Please see below for Warming Centers in Tarrant.

1. Corps Community Center, 712 W Abram St, Arlington, TX 76013

During Extreme Cold

• Insulate pipes in your home
• Gather nonperishables
• Keep handy blankets and gloves
• Cover outdoor hoses
• Locate first-aid kit(s)
• Keep kitchen and bathroom cabinets open
• Store water buckets
• Charge up portable chargers

Click or tap here to download a shareable Extreme Cold graphic.

Click or tap here to download a shareable Extreme Cold flyer.

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When disaster strikes, help is here.

Click or tap here for an overview on the Small Business Administration (SBA)'s Disaster Assistance Program.

Click or tap here for an overview from the Committee on Small Business on disaster assistance the federal government provides.

During Extreme Heat...stay cool, stay safe!

Summer Weather Safety

Extreme Heat — including heat waves — is an extended period of time with temperatures consistently ten (10) plus degrees above normal and often accompanied by high humidity.

Extreme heat conditions are dangerous and can be life-threatening. Most heat-related illnesses are preventable.

Those most at risk of heat-related illnesses include:

• The very old
• The very young
• Those with chronic health conditions

Dallas County residents needing temporary relief from the heat are encouraged to use any City of Dallas public facility including recreation centers and libraries, available during regular business hours.
Please click or tap here to view information on Cooling Centers in Dallas.

Tarrant County residents needing temporary relief from the heat are encouraged to use any Extreme Heat Cooling Center in the county and beyond.
Please click or tap here to view information on Cooling Centers in Tarrant.

Before Extreme Heat

• ​Have your air conditioning system checked for full, efficient function. Check or install window units. Make sure they fit snugly with proper insulation.
• Check weather stripping around doors and windows replace old or damaged material. Install stripping where missing.
• Cover windows receiving full morning or afternoon sun. Consider window reflectors if drapes or blinds aren't enough.​
• Urban areas maybe at greater risk for heat-related illnesses - check on at risk neighbors.

During Extreme Heat​

• ​​Limit exposure to sun. Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight clothes and use wide-brimmed hats.
• Limit outdoor activity - including sports, work, etc. If you have to be outside, use a buddy system and take frequent breaks.
• Stay indoors as much as possible. If you don't have air conditioning, stay on the lowest floor possible, go to a mall, library, theater or other public or community facility.
• ​​Don't​ leave kids or pets in closed vehicles. 
• Make sure anyone outside - kids, pets, or adults - have access to shade and plenty of water.
• Drink plenty of water - even if you aren't thirsty, and check with your doctor if you have fluid restrictions. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.

Click or tap here to download a shareable Extreme Heat graphic.

Click or tap here to download a shareable Extreme Heat flyer.

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