Prepare Now for Possible Severe Weather Tomorrow, Thursday 3/2/23

 

Kick-Off to Spring Severe Weather Season

Springtime in Austin, Texas also brings severe weather. Isolated thunderstorms are expected tonight with severe weather – risk of isolated tornados, straight-line winds and hail - possible tomorrow, Thursday. City of Austin urges the community to prepare now by monitoring weather conditions, knowing safe places to shelter, and have a way to receive watches and warnings. Severe weather events such as tornadoes, hailstorms, straight-line winds, thunderstorms, and flash floods can occur unexpectedly throughout the Spring severe weather season.    The City of Austin’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) urges Austinites to take proactive steps to prepare for severe weather.  Emergency preparedness is critical to minimizing the impact of these events in our communities.  Severe weather can be unpredictable and can cause injury, risks to life, and significant damage to property.  It's important for community members to take steps to prepare themselves, their families, and property for these potential emergencies.   “We have seasons of inclement weather in central Texas. As we move into severe weather season, we want to make sure our community is prepared for the specific types of hazards this season can bring,” said Juan Ortiz, Director of the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.    Here are some essential emergency preparedness steps and tips for severe weather:   Make a plan: Create an emergency plan with your family that includes designated meeting spots and emergency contacts. Make sure everyone knows what to do and practice your plan.   Build an emergency kit: Prepare an emergency kit with essentials such as non-perishable food, a flashlight, water, first-aid supplies, and any necessary medications. Don't forget to include supplies for pets.   Know Your Neighbors: By knowing your neighbors and building a strong network, you can increase your community's readiness level in an emergency.  Stay informed: Keep your cell phone charged or a battery-powered radio to monitor local weather conditions. Sign up for emergency notifications from WarnCentralTexas.org to receive important information during emergencies.  Protect your property: Secure loose items such as outdoor furniture and garden tools that could become dangerous projectiles during high winds. Keep trees trimmed to prevent damage from falling branches.  Seek shelter: If severe weather is approaching, seek shelter in a safe location such as an interior room on the lowest level of your home.  Turn off utilities: Know how to turn off gas, water, and electricity in case of an emergency.  To further increase your level of readiness, visit an Emergency Preparedness Pop-up Event  in one of Austin’s 10 Districts and check out these tools and resources to learn more about being prepared for severe weather:  ReadyCentralTexas.org - Online hub for emergency preparedness information.  Ready Central Texas app (on iOS and Android) - Notifications, checklists, videos, and guides to stay informed and prepared. WarnCentralTexas.org - Register for free emergency warnings by text, email or phone.  Ready.gov - Preparedness resources from FEMA.