Friday, December 1, 2023

Prepared, Proactive, Powerful: Get Ready Now for Winter Season


After seeing significant winter weather storms over the last three years, the City of Austin wants to remind residents that now is the time to prepare for the winter weather season.  

 
Central Texas is prone to a wide range of weather hazards, including flooding, wildfire, and extreme heat. As climate change occurs, weather emergencies can be unpredictable and escalate quickly. This can include conditions that have not always been associated with Central Texas, like snow and ice. With the right plans, supplies, knowledge and mindset, Austinites can be better prepared. 
 
When community members are prepared, they are in a better position to help themselves, loved ones, pets, and neighbors when disaster strikes. By being proactive about preparedness, Austinites can also free up first responders during emergencies so they can focus on those who are most vulnerable. 
 
“As the climate changes, so should your emergency plans. You may not have needed to have supplies on hand for winter in year’s past. However, much like California residents know to have go bags for wildfire evacuation and Florida residents know how to plan for hurricanes, we in Central Texas need to plan differently for emergencies,” said Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director, Ken Snipes. “You may lose electricity, water or gas for several days and this is reality of today’s disasters. We are here to help you understand what to do before an emergency so you can be more prepared to withstand the impacts.” 
 
Homeland Security and Emergency Management  
The Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) offers resources, plans, guides, educational training, and more to help the community build resilience for future emergencies.  With these resources, and by being proactive, the Austin and Travis County community can be better prepared for winter this year.    
 
To help the Austin community be ready, HSEM has available emergency preparedness resources:  

Residents can stay informed: 

Learn more about winter weather season safety from departments around the City of Austin.  
  
Austin Energy 
In case of a power outage:   

  • Unplug appliances and turn off most lights to avoid overloading circuits when power is restored.   
  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed during an outage and follow FDA guidelines for food safety. 

Electrical Safety Tips:   

  • If using an electric space heater, be sure it has an automatic shut-off switch and non-glowing elements. Keep it away from flammable materials.   
  • Never heat your home with a gas oven or burn anything in a stove or fireplace that is not vented. Do not burn paper in a fireplace.   
  • Do not drive over or go near a downed power line, as it could be energized. Call 3-1-1 if you see a downed line to report it. If the line is sparking, call 9-1-1.   
  • If you see limbs on wires or see downed tree limbs, please call 3-1-1 to report them.   

Stay Informed:   

Homelessness Strategy Office  
When Cold Weather Shelters for people experiencing homelessness are activated, the Cold Weather Shelter Hotline will be updated with shelter details at 512-305-ICEE (4233).  

Austin Public Health 
Austin Public Health (APH) will monitor and analyze emergency department visits and operate the public health medical branch.  APH will provide planning and coordination of any needed Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARC). Make sure your family is prepared for weather events by following this winter weather safety guidance and using this Family Communication Plan.
 
Austin Water 
Austin Water encourages customers to take steps now to prepare for winter. Following a few easy steps now will help customers protect their property and prevent damage when freezing weather does arrive in Austin. 
 
Locate your water shutoff. Locate the water main shutoff valve and keep it clear of debris and obstacles at all times. For most homes, the property owner’s shutoff valve is on your side of the water meter at the meter box. For renters, please consult with your property manager. If you cannot find your shutoff valve or if it is damaged, then you should be prepared to access the City shutoff valve in the meter box in an emergency. You may need a water meter key to open the meter box, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. Watch a video about how to locate your water shutoff.   
    
Weatherize to keep out cold air. Make repairs to broken or drafty windows, doors, and walls. Seal all leaks in crawl spaces and basements. Winterize unheated spaces and be prepared to close garage doors for the duration of the freeze. Gather supplies to cover vents on your home’s foundation.   
    
Weatherize exposed pipes and water heaters. Prepare to insulate pipes in unheated and drafty areas, such as an attic or garage. Also check manufacturer recommendations for your tanked and tankless water heaters. Hardware and plumbing supply stores carry insulation to help keep pipes from freezing. Get all supplies now so you are ready to wrap pipes and water heaters when a winter storm is approaching.   
    
Learn how to drip faucets properly. After the measures above are taken, drip one cold water faucet slowly if you feel your pipes may still freeze. The faucet you choose should be the one that is the greatest distance from your main shutoff valve. It does not need to be a running trickle. If you do drip your faucet, capture the water for future use. Watch a video about how to drip faucets properly.   
    
Outside faucet protection. Austin Water encourages all customers to turn off irrigation systems during the winter months to help conserve water. Prepare supplies to wrap outside faucets with towels or a Styrofoam insulator.   
    
Gather supplies to be prepared. Have one gallon of water per person and pet per day for seven days on hand to help avoid the rush at stores when the first winter storm of the season approaches. 
  
Stay Informed:  

Austin Transportation and Public Works 
Low temps, ice, and wintery weather can make driving hazardous. Before driving in inclement weather this season, be sure to:    

  • Approach intersections with caution and always treat dark signals as an all-way stop. Please report dark signals to Austin 3-1-1. 
  • Check for updated weather conditions. 
  • Avoid bridges and overpasses. 
  • Check tire pressure and tread. 
  • Make sure windshield wipers and lights are functioning.    
  • Keep a winter emergency kit with the following items in your vehicle:  
    • Jumper cables 
    • Flares or reflective triangle 
    • Ice scraper 
    • Car cell phone charger 
    • Cat litter or sand for better tire traction.  

Development Services  
Common winter weather-related issues associated with property damage may include no hot water, burst pipes, and cracks in the ceiling or walls. One way to prevent damage is to proactively follow these property maintenance tips: 

  • Test your gas service lines annually for possible leaks.   
  • Check if your furnace is operating correctly.   
  • Check if the boilers are working as intended.    
  • Ensure you have functioning smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.  

After a winter weather storm, if you experience damage to your property, you may begin repairs immediately to prevent further damage to your building or property. Learn more about safely permitting emergency repairs on the Permits for Emergency Repairs webpage. 
 
Tenants who experience unresolved code violations can request a Code Inspector by calling Austin 3-1-1 or 512-974-2000.  Visit the DSD  Safe and Sound webpage for more seasonal tips.   
 
Austin-Travis County EMS 
The best advice for winter weather is to remain indoors if possible and remain “weather aware.” Stay tuned to local weather forecasts for weather advisories, traffic updates, and road closures. Also keep these tips in mind: 

  • If you rely on oxygen, make sure you have enough extra tanks to last seven days in case of power loss, and keep emergency contact information for your oxygen supplier in case you run out. 
  • If you rely on an externally powered medical device (like a ventilator or LVAD), keep all backup batteries charged and make a plan with your care team in case you lose power. 
  • Keep enough of your prescription medications to last seven days. 
  • Cold weather may aggravate some chronic medical conditions. Talk with your doctor about your risks, and what you should do if your condition is exacerbated.  
  • Ice and snow pose fall hazards. If you must go outdoors in those conditions, wear appropriate footwear, walk slowly, and take small steps. 
  • Hypothermia can set in within minutes, so if you must go outside, dress in multiple layers of warm clothing. Protect your head, hands, face, neck, and ears. 
  • In the event of a power loss, keep warm using multiple layers of warm clothing, blankets, stay in one room with all members of your household, keep doors and windows closed. 
  • NEVER attempt to heat your home using your stove, oven, gas or charcoal grills, or fires outside of a fireplace, as this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector. 
  • NEVER use a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces. Make sure all generators are at least 10 feet away from your home. 
  • All travel should be discouraged in the event of ice or snow. If you must leave your home, plan your route ahead of time, keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, and drive slowly and cautiously. Avoid elevated roadways and stick to surface streets. 
  • If you are involved in a collision on an icy roadway, STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE and call for help. 
  • Keep your phone and other media devices fully charged in case of a power outage and consider a battery- or solar-powered weather alert or AM/FM radio for your residence to keep you informed in the event of a power failure.  

Visit the ATCEMS Winter Weather Safety page for more winter safety tips. 


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