As a winter weather blast bears down on North Texas this weekend, many residents are making plans to stay home, work remotely, or avoid travel altogether. But for thousands of workers across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, staying off the roads is not an option.
Even as ice and snow make travel dangerous, certain jobs are considered essential, and employees in those roles are often expected to report to work or at least make a good-faith attempt to do so. These are the sectors that keep the region functioning when conditions are at their worst.
Health care and emergency medical services
Hospitals and emergency medical facilities operate around the clock, regardless of weather. Doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, emergency room staff, and paramedics are among those most likely to be required on site.
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Many hospitals activate severe weather plans that include on-site lodging, hotel rooms, or coordinated transportation to ensure critical staffing levels are met.
Law enforcement and public safety
Police officers, sheriff’s deputies, jail staff, and 911 dispatchers remain on duty during winter storms. In fact, call volumes often increase as crashes, medical emergencies, and weather-related incidents pile up.
Fire departments and rescue teams are also fully operational, responding to everything from traffic accidents to structure fires and medical calls.
Utilities and infrastructure
When freezing temperatures hit, utility workers become some of the most important people on the roads. Crews responsible for electricity, water, wastewater, and natural gas systems are expected to respond quickly to outages, broken lines, and burst pipes.
Public works employees may also be called in to treat roads, clear hazards, and assist with emergency repairs.
Transportation and logistics
Even when roads are icy, supplies still need to move. Airport operations staff, airline crews already on rotation, rail operators, and trucking and logistics workers continue working to keep food, fuel, and medical supplies flowing into the region.
Tow truck drivers are also in high demand during winter storms, responding to crashes and stranded motorists.
Grocery, pharmacy, and fuel workers
While many retail businesses may close or shorten hours, grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations typically remain open with reduced staffing. Managers, warehouse employees, and delivery drivers often report to work to meet increased demand as residents stock up on essentials.
News, weather, and communications
Accurate information becomes critical during severe weather. Meteorologists, news reporters, producers, engineers, and technical staff continue working to deliver updates, forecasts, and safety guidance to the public.
Broadcast facilities and transmission systems are monitored around the clock to ensure emergency information remains available.
Government and care facilities
Emergency operations centers, warming shelters, jails, and certain government services remain staffed throughout winter weather events. These roles are critical for coordinating responses and assisting vulnerable populations.
What workers should know
For employees in essential roles, company policies often require an attempt to report to work, even during hazardous conditions. Some employers offer transportation assistance, flexible scheduling, or on-site accommodations during severe weather.
Workers are encouraged to communicate early with supervisors, understand emergency policies in advance, and prioritize safety whenever possible.
The bottom line
When winter storms hit North Texas, most people are safest staying home and off the roads. For essential workers, however, reporting to work helps keep hospitals running, power on, supplies moving, and information flowing.
Emergency officials urge drivers who do not need to travel to stay off the roads, helping reduce risks for those who must be out in dangerous conditions.
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