As temperatures drop in the Capital City, Austinites should brush up on the City’s winter weather preparedness guide. Get cozy as we break it down + provide you with easy-to-access information.
Before
Winter weather can cause power + water outages, and make traveling around the Austin area difficult. Before a storm arrives, here are a few tips on how to prepare:
- Sign up for Warn Central Texas and Ready Central Texas emergency alerts
- Follow Austin Emergency Management on Facebook and X
- Create a family communications plan with the City’s neighborhood preparedness guide
- Build an emergency kit
- Stock up on rock salt and snow removal equipment
- Bring animals inside
- Wrap pipes running outside or under your house in pipe insulation or rags
- Have extra blankets for warmth
- Make sure you have sufficient heating fuel and seasoned wood (for those with a fireplace)
You can listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local television newscasts to get the latest information and instructions by local emergency management officials.
During
While extreme cold is passing through, stay inside in a heated room. If you need a place to stay warm, find a cold weather shelter. You’ll also want to:
- Dress in layers and use blankets to stay warm
- Stay dry to avoid loss of body heat
- Walk carefully on snowy + icy walkways
- Cover or bring in plants inside to avoid frost damage
Pro tip: the City of Austin advises residents not to heat dwellings with a generator, camp-stove, charcoal grill, or gasoline + propane heaters indoors. These items can cause electric shock, and/or carbon monoxide poisoning.
After
As the weather passes, there might be icy road conditions. Only drive if necessary and don’t forget to check for road closures. If you are heading outside, make sure to dress in warm clothing and stay dry to prevent prolonged exposure to cold and wind.
In the event your home is damaged, no longer safe, or has lost power, public shelters and warming centers are available. You can find them by calling 311 or text SHELTER + your ZIP code (Ex: SHELTER 78230) to 43362 (FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area.
For more information about how to navigate before, during, and after a winter storm, check out these resources:
