Austin winter storm: City, county leaders speak on response plans ahead of arctic blast
Austin-Travis County prepares for winter weather
As the freezing temperatures continue to head toward Central Texas, the emergency operations center in Austin is ramped up and ready.
AUSTIN, Texas - As the freezing temperatures continue to head toward Central Texas, the emergency operations center in Austin is ramped up and ready.
How is Austin preparing for the winter storm?
Austin weather: Storm update from City of Austin
City officials provide an update on preparations for the winter weather as the Arctic blast is set to arrive.
What they're saying:
At the emergency operations center for Austin-Travis County, communications and tracking systems were being turned on.
"We are expecting the freezing rain and sleet to happen later on Saturday evening. We will be ready for that. Everyone is going to be positioned in their seats and any issues that happen. Going to be ready again to respond," said Jim Redick, the Director of Austin Emergency Management.
As the first watch settled in, a media briefing was held. It opened with a cold, hard statement from Austin Mayor Kirk Watson.
"Winter is here," declared Mayor Watson.
The city and county preparedness ramp up is an across-the-board call-up. Travis County Judge Andy Brown said the plan included working with food support organizations and places of worship, which may be used as shelters.
Austin winter storm: Here is a list of warming shelters, centers
Due to winter weather, several warming centers and shelters throughout Central Texas will be open.
"We are preparing for the worst because we never completely know what the weather is going to do in Texas," said Judge Brown.
Major roadways are now pre-treated for ice, similar to how the state highways were done by TxDOT. There are also several rapid response teams like those from Austin Energy.
"We'll have everybody available in terms of our line crews. We're bringing in additional vegetation management tree trimmer crews to be available," said AE General Manager Stuart Reilly.
Before the ice sets in, CapMetro will suspend bus and train services. The last train and bus service will happen on Saturday, Jan. 24, at 4 p.m.
Austin winter storm: Airlines at ABIA release flight contingency plans
Airlines are preparing for the winter storm heading toward Central Texas this weekend. Several of them have flight contingency plans in place.
ABIA is working to keep that transportation option running. Airport officials have brought in employees to help prevent flights from being iced out by keeping runways and roads free of ice.
"We do have some teams pre-staging and staying overnight, and that's really just to make sure that our staff that don't live so close to the airport can safely arrive for their shift starts," said Sam Haynes with ABIA.
This disaster response is not limited to city and county staff. Travis County Emergency Management Coordinator Eric Carter urged residents to team up with them.
"If you or someone you know depends on medical equipment that requires electricity, now is the time to review backup plans if available. Our professionals are here to assist in an emergency. Your job is to make sure there is no emergency. You have a plan, and you can take action," said Carter.
Texas Winter Storm: How to safely stay warm during winter storm power outages
As freezing temperatures across Texas could bring the possibility of power outages, residents are asked to stay safe when heating their homes during the Texas Winter Storm.
Planning can prevent frozen water pipes. It's a big residential disaster that can be avoided by a small act like opening cabinet doors under sinks.
"If those measures of opening the cabinets are insufficient to keep your pipes warm, then you can do a little drip on the faucet that's farthest from your water meter," said Shay Ralls Roalson.
Even with all the early preparation, Mayor Watson warned, the best plan can go wrong.
"While we're prepared and while we will be doing everything we can, some things are unpredictable and some things will happen that we don't want to happen. There will be, it will not be perfect. It cannot be perfect," said Watson.
What you can do:
There is also a free safety alert system to tap into, and it's not limited to residents of Austin.
WarnCentralTexas.org can keep you ahead of a disaster. You can sign up for alerts by e-mail, phone calls, and text messages.
For more helpful tips, click here.
The Source: Information from Austin-Travis County city leaders