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Protecting and Advocating for the Rights of Texans with Disabilities Since 1977
A thermometer is sticking out of the snow and it reads 20 degrees below zero.

Prepare now for winter weather

Hurricane season is officially over, but the threat of severe weather never stops in Texas.


Less than two years ago, freezing temperatures and snow from Winter Storm Uri left many people without power and water for days. Texans with disabilities were particularly hard hit by the storm. If another winter storm strikes, are you ready?


There are many things you can do to be more prepared for extreme winter weather. Below are just some of the actions you and other people with disabilities can take now.

  • Connect locally: Contact your local emergency management department to let them know about your specific needs and to ask how those needs will be addressed during a winter storm.
  • Watch the weather: Pay attention to the forecast so you know what’s coming and subscribe to receive instant weather alerts on your mobile device.
  • Stock up: Since you could lose access to power, water, and transportation during a winter storm, it’s a good idea to stock up on essentials – food, water, medicine, etc. – in case you have to shelter in place. If you have a service animal, don't forget what they'll need.
  • Stay warm: If it gets cold, make sure you have enough clothes and blankets to stay warm and covered. If possible, have more than one type of heat source on hand.


For more details about the items above, and for additional steps you can take now, see our Winter Preparedness Tips for Texans with Disabilities.

Get winter preparedness tips
A hurricane icon and the words get emergency ready.

The Emergency Ready Sheet was created to help people with disabilities prepare for disasters and emergencies. Your Emergency Ready Sheet will have information that you would want with you at all times if a disaster or emergency strikes.

Create your Emergency Ready Sheet

Request help from DRTx

Phone:

  • Statewide Intake Line: 1.800.252.9108
  • Sign Language Video Intake Line: 1.866.362.2851
  • Purple Video Intake Line: 1.512.271.9391


Our regular intake hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 p.m. If you can't call then, or if you can't get through due to high call volume, you can complete our online intake form 24/7. 

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DRTx Website

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Disability Rights Texas is the federally designated legal protection and advocacy agency (P&A) for people with disabilities in Texas. Its mission is to help people with disabilities understand and exercise their rights under the law, ensuring their full and equal participation in society. Visit www.DRTx.org for more information.