DFW gets hammered by severe weather. Tornadoes, derechos, ice storms, extreme heat. Here's the real prep list from someone who's lived through all of them.
Tornado season (March-June):
- Download a weather app with polygon-based alerts. Recommended: RadarScope ($10, one-time) or Weather Underground (free)
- Know your safe room: interior room, lowest floor, no windows. Bathroom or closet.
- NOAA Weather Radio with battery backup (~$30). When the power is out, this is your lifeline.
Ice storms (December-February):
- 72 hours of water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Non-perishable food for 3 days
- Flashlights + batteries (not candles — fire risk)
- Portable phone charger (Anker 20,000mAh, ~$30)
- Pipe insulation and know where your water shut-off is. Source: City of Dallas winter weather guide.
Extreme heat (June-September):
- ERCOT grid stress means potential rolling blackouts
- Keep freezer full (frozen water bottles work)
- Know your nearest cooling center: dallas.gov/coolingcenters
General kit:
- First aid kit
- Important documents in waterproof bag
- Cash ($200 minimum — ATMs don't work without power)
- Prescription medications for 7 days
- Pet supplies if applicable
Sources:
- NOAA/NWS Fort Worth office — severe weather preparedness guides
- Texas Division of Emergency Management (tdem.texas.gov)
- City of Dallas — winter weather and cooling center resources
- ERCOT — grid reliability reports
Winter Storm Uri in 2021 taught DFW a hard lesson. Don't get caught unprepared again.