Austin, TX
Austin mayor declares local state of disaster ahead of severe winter weather threat
AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Mayor Kirk Watson declared a preemptive local state of disaster Thursday as severe winter weather, including below-freezing temperatures and dangerous ice conditions, is expected to hit the city this weekend.
Watson said the declaration will allow the city to respond more quickly and organize more efficiently if a disaster occurs.
ALSO | Freezing temperatures, icy conditions in central Texas to begin Saturday evening
The mayor urged residents to prepare by protecting “people, pipes, pets, and plants.”
Watson advised residents to check on neighbors, especially those who might need assistance, and warned against using generators, grills, camp stoves or any gasoline, propane or charcoal-burning devices to heat homes, as they generate carbon monoxide gas.
He also recommended bringing pets inside, insulating exposed pipes, winterizing water heaters and outside faucets, and covering or bringing plants indoors.
Residents can find more information at ReadyCentralTexas.org and sign up for alerts at warncentraltexas.org.