October 31st, 2025
Now Is The Time To Start Prepping For Winter Weather Emergencies
It finally feels like fall weather in Texas, and before you know it, winter will be upon us. As IDD providers, you all know that you can’t wait til the last minute.
For winter weather preparation, IDD providers should focus on creating an emergency kit with supplies like food, water, medication, and batteries, and ensuring a backup heat and power source. It is crucial to make a plan for both individuals and staff, including communication and transportation, and to ensure all necessary equipment, medication, and clothing are available for each individual.
- Emergency kit: Assemble a kit with non-perishable food, water, medications, first-aid supplies, and extra warm clothing for each individual.
- Medication and medical supplies: Refill all necessary prescriptions in advance and have an emergency supply of medical items.
- Backup power: Have a backup power source, such as a generator, and ensure batteries for medical equipment and flashlights are fully charged and extra batteries are on hand.
- Backup heat: Plan for an alternative heat source if the primary one fails, such as a fireplace or a space heater, and have the necessary safety equipment, like a fire extinguisher.
- Home insulation: Seal windows and doors to prevent cold air from entering.
- Plumbing: Winterize pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting.
- Communication plan: Create a plan for how to communicate during an outage, including having a battery-powered radio to receive weather alerts.
- Charging devices: Keep all mobile phones and other essential devices charged and have a plan for charging them if power is lost.
- Transportation: Plan for accessible transportation options in case of evacuation or an emergency.
- Vehicle preparedness: Ensure vehicles are winter-ready with proper fluid levels, good tires, and a winter storm kit in the car.
- Assistive devices: Tune up and prepare assistive technology devices, making sure they have their own emergency kits and model information.
- Service animals: Prepare service animals with necessary gear like coats and boots for extreme cold.
- Stay informed: Sign up for local alerts and warnings and stay informed about the weather forecast.
- Dress in layers: Advise individuals to dress in layers and wear waterproof, insulated boots, and a hat to stay warm.
- Know the risks: Be aware of the signs of cold-related illnesses like hypothermia and frostbite.
- Community resources: Connect with community groups or organizations like religious communities or food banks that may host clothing drives.
- Emergency committee: Create a winter weather emergency committee to oversee preparation and response efforts.
- Staffing: Plan for staff coverage and ensure there are enough people to care for individuals in the event of transportation issues.
December 30th, 2024
HHSC reminds long-term care facilities and agencies to review and update emergency plans for freezing temperatures and snow. Emergency plans for extreme weather should include the provider’s plan to address:
- Power loss.
- Water and food needs.
- Medical and pharmaceutical supplies.
- Communication to families and staff.
- Staffing shortages.
- Sheltering in place and evacuation, as applicable.
Providers must follow emergency preparedness rules and their own internal emergency preparedness policies and procedures.
Facilities with generators should perform any maintenance or needed testing while the weather is mild. This will ensure the equipment functions in case of extreme cold or power loss.
It’s important to review building integrity and identify any areas that may need repair, reinforcement, or weatherproofing. Multi-story buildings should review any other needed measures should evacuation be required and have a plan in place for how to move residents around or out of the building if there’s a loss of power.
Preparing for disaster is the most important step in protecting the Texans we serve and reducing the risk for loss of life.
Email questions to LTCRpolicy@hhs.texas.gov.
December 22nd, 2023
LTC Provider Resources During an Emergency
Long-term care providers impacted by the current severe weather event should be implementing emergency management plans. LTC providers in need of resources or assistance during an emergency, such as the current severe weather, are reminded that you can:
- Contact your LTCR regional office regarding events that are affecting residents (such as no heat, evacuation, frozen fire sprinkler systems, etc.). They can initiate an emergency request.
- Contact your local emergency management or Regional Advisory Council, who can initiate a STAR request.
- Contact your local power company if you are having power issues. Nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and inpatient hospices should inform the power company that you are an LTC provider, as those providers are prioritized for service restoration per the Public Utility Commission rules.
- Contact your Texas Department of Emergency Management District Contacts if you are having challenges getting generator fuel.
If you need guidance or assistance in relocating residents, work with your LTCR Regional Director. All requests to exceed licensed capacity must be approved by the Director of Survey Operations. If your facility is projected to exceed its licensed capacity because it is accepting residents who have been evacuated from another facility, email Renee Blanch-Haley and include State Capacity Increase Request in the subject line.
Please refer to Provider Letter 2018-19 (PDF) as applicable and to your program’s rules for additional important information regarding emergency preparedness. If you have any questions, contact your LTCR regional office, email LTCR Policy Rules and Training or call 512-438-3161.
