Safety and Warmth in the Severe Cold

Austin apartments on alert

The blast of cold weather arrived overnight and sent the temperatures plummeting to freezing conditions. Apartment complexes posted notices for residents to leave faucets dripping to prevent pipes from freezing, while the city of Austin alerted people to plan ahead.

Keeping one step ahead of the storm means having a fully stocked emergency kit. According to the city's web site, these are essential and important items to include:

• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Extra food and water. A well-stocked emergency kit should have sufficient food and water to last up to 72 hours. High-energy food, such as dried fruit, nuts and granola bars, and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration, are recommended.
• First-aid supplies
• Extra baby-care items
• Sufficient prescription medications
• Extra water and food for pets
• Extra blankets
• Battery-powered NOAA all-weather radio
• Fire extinguisher

There should be no closures of offices or safety activations, like road crews, since ice isn't expected to form. But crews are on stand by just in case. If that changes, check out the Austin/Travis County Emergency Conditions web site. Pay extra close attention as you drive to and from your destinations.

The homeless population is also effected by the cold snap. If you would like to help, check out
Mobile Loves and Fishes for ways to donate blankets, money, or supplies. The city, the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless, and the Salvation Army activated its winter weather homeless shelter plan because the temperature dropped below 32 degrees.