Austin Urged to Prepare for Winter Weather

Austin residents and Travis County citizens are being asked by local leaders and officials to begin preparations now for potential winter weather conditions. With memories of past severe freezes still fresh, authorities are stressing the importance of proactive measures to ensure safety and minimize disruption across the community.

Understanding the Call to Prepare

City and county officials are taking a unified approach, encouraging everyone to review their winter preparedness plans. This comes as meteorologists monitor long-range forecasts, emphasizing that while specific threats aren’t guaranteed, being ready is paramount. The goal is to avoid the widespread issues experienced during previous severe cold snaps, which impacted power, water, and transportation for days.

Key Preparations for Your Home

Protecting your property from freezing temperatures is essential. The “four P’s” are a great framework: People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants. Ensure vulnerable family members and pets are accounted for and have safe, warm spaces. For pipes, insulation and dripping faucets are crucial. Outdoor plants, especially sensitive ones, should be covered or brought indoors.

• Pipes: Insulate exposed outdoor pipes and faucets. When temperatures drop below freezing, allow indoor faucets (especially those on exterior walls) to drip slowly to prevent water from freezing and pipes from bursting. Know where your main water shut-off valve is located.
• Power: Charge all electronic devices, including power banks, in advance. If you rely on medical equipment, have a backup plan. Stock non-perishable food items and have alternative heating methods like extra blankets, but never use outdoor grills or generators indoors due to carbon monoxide risks.
• Pets: Bring pets indoors. If they must stay outside, ensure they have a warm, dry shelter with blankets or bedding, and access to unfrozen water.
• Plants: Cover sensitive outdoor plants with burlap, frost cloths, or blankets. Bring potted plants indoors if possible.

Emergency Kit Essentials

Having a well-stocked emergency kit can make a significant difference during winter weather events, especially if power outages occur. Officials recommend including enough supplies for at least three days.

Your kit should ideally contain:

• Non-perishable food and manual can opener
• Bottled water (one gallon per person per day)
• Flashlights and extra batteries (avoid candles as a primary light source)
• First-aid kit and any necessary prescription medications
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
• Warm blankets or sleeping bags
• A whistle to signal for help
• Wet wipes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Important documents in a waterproof container
• Cash in small denominations

Staying Informed and Connected

Timely information is vital during a winter weather event. Austin-Travis County Emergency Management advises residents to subscribe to official alert systems and monitor local news. Reliable sources include:

• WarnCentralTexas.org: Sign up for emergency alerts directly to your phone or email.
• City of Austin and Travis County websites: Official sources for updates and resources.
• Local news outlets: FOX 7 Austin, KVUE, KXAN, KEYE will provide continuous coverage.
• Social Media: Follow official city and county pages for real-time information.

Check on Neighbors and Vulnerable Populations

Part of being a resilient community means looking out for one another. During severe weather, take a moment to check on elderly neighbors, individuals with disabilities, or anyone who might need extra assistance. Offering help can make a critical difference in someone’s safety and well-being.

Before and During a Freeze Checklist

Here’s a quick overview of actions to take at different stages of winter weather:

Frequently Asked Questions

• What should I do if my power goes out?
  Report the outage to Austin Energy. Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to preserve food. Dress in layers, use extra blankets, and gather in one room to conserve body heat. Never use a gas stove or oven for heat, and ensure generators are used only outdoors and away from windows.
• When should I drip my faucets?
  Begin dripping faucets slowly when temperatures are forecasted to drop below 28 degrees Fahrenheit and remain there for several hours. Drip both hot and cold water from faucets on exterior walls to keep water moving and prevent freezing.
• Is a boil water notice guaranteed during a freeze?
  No, a boil water notice is not guaranteed. They are issued when there’s a significant drop in water pressure or potential contamination. While past freezes have led to them, it’s not an automatic outcome. Always follow official city alerts regarding water safety.
• How can I protect my outdoor plants without bringing them inside?
  Cover plants with frost cloths, burlap, old sheets, or blankets. Secure the coverings to the ground to trap warmth. For smaller plants, you can use cloches or inverted buckets. Water plants thoroughly a day or two before the freeze, as moist soil retains heat better than dry soil.
• What if my pipes freeze or burst?
  If you suspect a frozen pipe, turn off your main water supply. You can try to thaw small sections with a hairdryer on a low setting, moving it back and forth, but avoid open flames. If a pipe bursts, immediately turn off your main water supply and contact a licensed plumber.

Preparing now can significantly reduce stress and potential hazards when winter weather arrives. By taking these steps, Austin can better navigate the challenges of cold temperatures together.

Austin Urged to Prepare for Winter Weather