Sign in
Preparing for the 2026 Big Freeze
North Texas is preparing for its first wintry mix of 2026.
The National Weather Service expects arctic air to arrive on Friday afternoon with the possibility of snow, sleet and/or freezing rain. A Winter Storm Watch is now in effect for the entirety of North and Central Texas starting Friday afternoon and continuing through late Saturday night. Cook Children’s Health Care System is prepared and wants to ensure caregivers are prepared too. Our experts share what families should know to avoid getting sick, staying safe on the roads, playing outside or at home.
Keeping Warm and Having Fun
“If you are going to be outside, dress appropriately,” said Sharon Evans, injury prevention manager at Cook Children’s Health Care System.
Experts advise caregivers to dress little ones in several thin layers to keep warm and dry. Children are at more risk from the cold because their bodies lose heat more quickly. Insulated boots, mittens or gloves, and a hat are recommended.
Make sure children change out of any wet clothes as soon as they come indoors.
“While playing in the snow or “sledding” be aware of your surroundings, be careful to not run into trees or out into the street and mailboxes can be real dangers,” said Evans.
Know the Signs of Hypothermia
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature, “is a dangerous condition that can occur when a person is exposed to extremely cold temperatures.” This is a medical emergency, and treatment should be sought immediately.
Symptoms of hypothermia include:
- Blue skin
- Shivering
- A cool chest and stomach are signs that children may be dangerously cold.
- If you see these symptoms, take action immediately to get kids out of the cold. Seek immediate medical attention if you are not able to warm the body.
- Victims of hypothermia can include babies sleeping in cold rooms.
Warning signs for infants include:
- Bright red, cold skin
- Very low energy
Warning signs for adults include:
- Shivering, exhaustion
- Confusion, fumbling hands
- Memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness
Coats & Car Seats
While keeping kids warm is a priority during the winter, it should never come at the expense of car seat safety.
“Stay home and inside if possible. If you must be on the roads make sure everyone is buckled up correctly,” said Evans.
Bulky coats, such as puffy jackets, can create extra space between the child and harness straps or seat belt, which can increase the risk of injury in a car crash. It is recommended to dress in thin layers and use a blanket or put the coat on backwards after the child is buckled in.
If caregivers decide to start the car to allow it to warm up prior to entering the vehicle, it is important to make sure the car is in a ventilated area, such as an open garage, and that they lock the vehicle when they are not inside. This will make sure that a child does not enter the vehicle unsupervised and become trapped in the vehicle.
Evans adds families should have snacks, water, and extra blankets in their car in case you get stranded.
“If you are stranded and waiting for help on the side of the road, please make sure everyone stays buckled up,” said Evans, “often cars may slide/spin near you and hit your car.”
In addition, just as local officials advise people to stay off the roadways, if possible, ice can make dangerous driving conditions for ATV’s, Golf Carts and Go Karts.
Safe Sleep
With winter weather, keeping infants warm is a priority for caregivers, and it is essential to do so safely.
“Caregivers often use extra blankets and hats for warmth, but these soft items can easily become a suffocation or entanglement hazard,” said Samantha St. John, program coordinator at Cook Children’s Center for Community Health.
A safer alternative is a sleep sack, also called a wearable blanket. A sleep sack provides warmth and comfort without risk because it fits securely around the baby’s upper body and is sized so the fabric cannot cover their face, while still allowing plenty of room at the bottom for comfort and movement.
St. John suggests a general rule to follow dress a baby in one more layer of clothing than an adult would find comfortable in the same environment. In winter months this could mean baby is in a long sleep fleece onesie with a wearable blanket/sleep sack. When dressing baby for bedtime or nap time during the extremely cold temperatures, it may be necessary to add socks, mittens, or hats to baby. Caregivers want to make sure that these items cannot come off during sleep and become a loose item in the crib. It is also important to make sure baby is not going to overheat. Signs of overheating can include sweating, a hot chest, or flushed skin.
- Alone: The sleep space should be clear of any soft items, such as blankets, stuffed animals, pillows, and bumper pads, leaving only a mattress with a tight-fitted sheet.
- Back: Babies should always be placed flat on their back for every nap and every night.
- Crib: A crib, bassinet, or portable play yard with a firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet is the safest sleep surface.
This article, written by Lourdes Vazquez for Cook Children’s Checkup Newsroom, is shared with permission.
