Winter storms in Fort Worth are not sudden disasters so much as interruptions to routine, like construction on I-35 or how well the Cowboys or Rangers perform. They arrive with several days’ notice, a flurry of group texts and the quiet understanding that no one will be going anywhere once the bridges glaze over. 

Preparation is less about survival and more about avoiding a late-night drive that ends with you questioning every life choice you’ve ever made, because frankly, you had already slipped on the ice before you even made it to your side of the car.

Of course, we’re excited for the snow — or at least the moisture, because “we needed that” — but panicking every time a winter weather event rolls through has never hurt anyone … or maybe it has hurt you, if you’re the type of person who waits until three nights before the storm instead of a week ahead.

Still, let’s talk about it. Let’s lay out a game plan, not just for this storm, but for every storm that follows, because in Fort Worth, preparation is both practical and, honestly, a little ritualistic — and yes, it’s entirely possible to stock up enough for yourself while still making sure others aren’t left out in the cold … pun intended.

1. Grocery Store Ransacking

The first stop is the grocery store, where the focus is best described as apocalypse-adjacent. Yes, we will probably live to see tomorrow — even if it takes a few days to get power and water fully sorted out (because Texas) — but we will be damned if we don’t have meat and beer as long as the snow falls.

First things first, folks: the goal is not hoarding. The goal is not having to leave the house again until the roads stop looking like they belong in American Airlines Center, right before the Stars absolutely shred the Red Wings (are they still relevant?). 

That means enough food for the duration of the forecasted freeze, plus another 24 hours just in case. This week, that really only means enough for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday morning — plus a generous 12-hour buffer on each end. It is not a repeat of 2021, despite what the Internet would have you believe. It won’t be that persistent, it won’t be that cold, and yes, for the purposes of this storm, just pretend you have the flu and DoorDash doesn’t exist. If you already have three days of food in your cupboard, you’re fine — even if it’s boring.

And, please, for the love of all that is heavenly and holy, don’t forget the pets. Running out of dog food or cat food during an ice event is how people end up sliding sideways through intersections they absolutely did not need to cross.  

2. Don’t Forget the Basics

You’ll want basic household items — soap, sponges, trash bags — within reach. If we’re forced to hunker down, we’ll need them, and no one wants to improvise cleanliness when the ice outside is sharp enough to cut your resolve.

While most people may make fun of winter storms, it’s probably wise to have a small stockpile of bottled water — enough to get through a short outage or a potential boil-water notice. It’s also fine to fuel up on gas, just in case the state’s power grid fails and you need to sit in your vehicle for warmth — but please, first open the garage.

3. Layering Up in Your Cutest Fits

At home, cold-weather clothing is staged like equipment for a mild expedition. Fort Worth does not believe in full-on winter wardrobes, only emergency layers. Pull them out of the tote in your garage or the entryway closet — wherever they’ve been hiding since the last ice storm. Remember, socks get noticeably thicker, and before everyone briefly debates whether cowboy boots count as winter footwear, they do not. Put on your favorite Blundstones — though we’ll accept Lucheese or Ariats in the name of survival.

And let’s not forget decorative blankets. Yes, the ones that have spent the other eleven months of the year folded perfectly on the couch like passive-aggressive furniture ornaments. During a winter storm, they suddenly become essential survival tools. Use them all. Drape them over your shoulders, thrown across laps, or even layered under your chin while watching football, they serve no real functional purpose beyond warmth — and making it very clear to anyone visiting that you are, indeed, prepared, cozy, and judging them for not being similarly wrapped in textile grandeur.

4. Power to the People

Power outages are discussed constantly and prepared for loosely since … you know. Regardless, please, for Pete’s sake, ensure everything is charged: phones, tablets, battery ports, anything that will help you communicate with others. Keep extra batteries for flashlights, and extra candles for… your countertops? Nothing meaningful, really. The first response will be a citywide confirmation process via text to determine whether this is a personal problem or a communal one. 

5. That Whole Water Turns to Ice Thing

We know your outdoor spigots have already been covered on and off a dozen times, like we’re rehearsing for some elaborate plumbing ballet, but do it just once more: this is the time you’ll need it. And, of course, remember to keep that water flowing through your house by leaving your faucets with a slight drip — it ain’t wasteful when you’re avoiding a burst pipe.

6. The Starbucks Barometer

And goodness, more than anything: Don’t stress before your local Starbucks closes. 

Starbucks closes? Panic quietly ensues. Starbucks open? Life continues: cook bacon, watch football, and pretend the ice never happened. It will all be over soon.

Regardless, we will be OK. Just remember to share the roads, and most importantly, the aisles.