A Winter Storm Warning was issued for parts of Central Texas, including Austin. Friday starts with heavy rain, and Saturday shows freezing rain and ice throughout the city. Now is the time to be prepared!
Austin’s Emergency Management recommends stocking up on the following:
- Food and Water: At least a 3-day supply of non-perishable foods and water
- Power Outage Essentials: Power banks, flashlights, and extra batteries
- Warmth: Extra blankets, warm clothes, gloves, and a safe heat source(fireplace or space heater)
- Safety and Health: First Aid Kit, extra baby and pet food, and extra prescriptions
The roads will be covered with ice this weekend, so avoid driving and try to stay indoors. If you need to drive, keep essentials in your car with your gas tank full.
If you or someone you know needs to find a place to stay, Austin is full of amazing nonprofits and shelters:
- Open Now: The city-run resourced map shows all warming centers currently open for unhoused locals.
- ATX Free Fridge: Visit an ATX Free Fridge location for community fridges with free food available.
- Goodwill Central Texas: Cold Weather Shelters have been activated at the One Texas Center from Friday through Sunday, so residents can stay overnight.
- Texas Division of Emergency Management: This map displays all available warming centers in Texas. Click on your area and the nearest warming centers will pop-up, including their location, hours, and contact.
To keep your homes safe, don’t forget to drip your faucets, open all cabinets to circulate plumbing, wrap any pipes in unheated areas, and remove any water hoses from outside faucets.
Stay safe this weekend, Austinites!
