Behind the scenes, a city readies itself for the cold ahead.

DALLAS — City of Dallas officials outlined an all-hands approach to the winter weather system expected to impact the area this weekend, detailing road treatment plans, shelter activations, public safety staffing and guidance for residents to prepare ahead of the freezing temperatures.

“Our focus is simple. We want to keep our residents safe during this weather event,” City Manager Kim Tolbert said at a Wednesday press conference announcing the city’s preparations. Officials emphasized that efforts began early and will continue throughout the weekend and into next week.


Citywide Coordination and Emergency Operations

Dallas is currently in a pre-incident posture and has begun executing its Winter Weather Operations Plan, according to Kevin Oden, Director of Emergency Management and Crisis Response.

“The Emergency Operations Center is expected to activate Saturday morning at 7 a.m. to coordinate and monitor any impacts and transition to citywide response,” Oden said. He noted city departments and infrastructure partners have been preparing for more than 48 hours, positioning crews and resources ahead of the system’s arrival.


Shelters and Services for Vulnerable Residents

Officials confirmed inclement weather shelter operations will open Friday at 4 p.m. at Fair Park, operated in partnership with the Austin Street Center and other nonprofit service providers.

“Our Dallas Street Response teams will operate Friday through Sunday to transport any unsheltered residents to that shelter,” Oden said, urging residents who know someone in need of assistance to call 311 for transportation and outreach.

City leaders also said crisis intervention teams will conduct welfare checks on vulnerable residents throughout the event.

Watch the city of Dallas full press conference below


Road Treatment and Transportation Preparedness

Gus Khankarli, Director of Transportation and Public Works, said crews will focus on critical roadways.

“We will be pre-treating and sanding major thoroughfares, public transit routes and around medical and critical facilities,” Khankarli said. He noted residential streets will not receive treatment unless requested by Dallas Police or Fire Rescue in an emergency.

Khankarli also reminded drivers how to handle intersections in the event of power outages: “Treat intersections as multiple-way stop signs before proceeding.”


Utilities, Water Infrastructure and Consumer Guidance

Sarah Standifer, the director of Dallas Water Utilities, urged residents to protect exposed pipes and know where their shut-off valves are in case of issues during or after the freeze.

“If you experience any outages or burst pipes, you can reach us at 311,” Standifer said, stressing that crews will continue providing support throughout the city.

Utility partners, including Oncor and Atmos Energ,y have crews staged and ready to respond to outages and infrastructure impacts caused by freezing conditions.


Fire Rescue and Police Response

Dallas Fire-Rescue Chief Justin Ball said his department has the staffing and apparatus needed to handle the storm’s demands under existing severe weather protocols.

“If you don’t want us to be quite as busy, then stay home,” Ball said, urging residents to limit travel. He also offered safety reminders for residents at home: “Don’t start warming fires inside the house, and if the power does go out, don’t rely on candles for light.”


Animal Services and Pet Safety

Paul Ramon, Director of Dallas Animal Services, encouraged residents to bring pets indoors and reported that animal services will respond to weather-related calls around the clock. Calls regarding animals exposed to the elements can be submitted through 311 or the city’s app.


Sanitation and Service Delays

Cliff Gillespie, Director of Sanitation Services, said minimal service disruptions are expected on Friday but warned that deteriorating conditions could lead to delays Monday and Tuesday.

“If we’re significantly delayed, service delays would likely cascade through next week–with sanitation working through Saturday the 31st to catch up,” Gillespie said.


Overarching Message to Residents

Throughout the press conference, officials reiterated the importance of preparation and caution, urging residents to limit travel, check on neighbors and take basic precautions to protect homes and pets.

City leaders said they will continue providing updates through official channels and social media as conditions evolve.