City, county leaders talk about getting ready for winter weather

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- City of Austin and Travis County leaders spoke Wednesday morning about preparedness for winter weather as the colder months approach.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, Travis County Judge Andy Brown, and representatives from city and county departments held a press conference to discuss the upcoming winter weather season and personal resilience and readiness needs, according to an announcement from the city.

"Extreme cold, snow, and ice have increasingly impacted our area," the city said.

The Austin area was impacted by winter weather storms in 2021, 2022, and 2023 around the late January to mid-February time period. The most drastic of those was the historic 2021 statewide winter weather blast that lasted about a week and led to mass power outages and water loss for days.

According to data from Camp Mabry and the KXAN weather team, January typically has the coldest temperatures of the year, with an average high of 41.8°.

"Everyone has the power to prepare. By getting ready now, and following the four steps of preparedness, residents of Central Texas can be resilient in the event of winter weather," the city said.

The four steps of preparedness include:

• Make a plan
• Build a Kit
• Know your Neighbors
• Stay Informed
  • Sign up for emergency notifications
  • Bookmark the Emergency Alerts Webpage at AustinTexas.gov/alerts
  • Follow @AustinHSEM on social media
  • Follow Austin Energy on social media
  • Follow Austin Water on social media
  • Tune in to KXAN weather forecasts for weather advisories, traffic updates and road closures

Remember:

Protect the 4 P’s: People, Pets, Pipes and Plants.

Austin Public Libraries and Parks and Recreation facilities serve as Warming Centers to offer temporary relief from the cold. Individuals can also get information about Cold Weather Shelter access and activation by calling 512-972-5055.

In case of a power outage, unplug appliances and turn off most lights to avoid overloading circuits when power is restored, and the keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.

Austin Water steps to help protect your property and prevent damage:

• Locate Your Water Shutoff
• Weatherize to Keep Out Cold Air
• Weatherize Exposed Pipes and Water Heaters
• Turn off irrigation systems / wrap outside faucets with towels or Styrofoam insulator
• Gather Supplies to be Prepared

Keep a winter emergency kit for your vehicle. Add:

• jumper cables
• flares or reflective triangle
• ice scraper
• cell phone charger
• clay (non-clumping) cat litter or sand for better tire traction

Common winter weather-related issues include no hot water, burst pipes and cracks in the ceiling or walls. Prepare by:

• Testing gas service lines for possible leaks
• Checking your furnace and boilers work as intended
• Check for functioning smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors