It\u2019s another La Ni\u00f1a year, which means Texans are having a warmer and drier winter than normal. But warmer temperatures don\u2019t necessarily mean that we\u2019ll get through the season without seeing a winter weather storm or power outages in Austin.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s actually looking like a fairly warm Christmas here, but typically in this area of Texas, our high-impact winter storms usually occur in the months of January and February,\u201d Jason Runyen, meteorologist at the National Weather Service, reminded Austinites at a Dec. 15 City Hall press conference on winter preparedness.<\/p>\n
Runyen emphasized that winter storms can still happen even when the overall seasonal forecast leans warmer. \u201cThe weather can change very, very quickly here in this area of Texas \u2026 a degree or two in the temperature can make all the difference between a cold rain and a big ice storm,\u201d Runyen said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
And temperatures have now grown close to freezing. On Dec. 14, the city of Austin\u2019s Homeless Strategies and Operations Office activated cold weather shelters, where over 140 people were able to spend Sunday night in a warm place. The city will activate and announce those shelters around 9am the day temperatures are predicted to fall to or below 35 degrees, and some public libraries and facilities<\/a> are always available as warming centers during business hours.<\/p>\n But outside of city facilities, the power could go out in Austin homes. During the Dec. 15 press conference, Mayor Kirk Watson said power outages this winter in Austin are \u201cinevitable,\u201d but said the city is already preparing to restore power \u201cas fast as is humanly possible.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n There are concrete things<\/a> Austinites can do to prepare for potential winter storms and protect themselves, pets, plants, and their homes, city officials said during the press conference: cover outdoor faucets, insulate your pipes, and get your fireplace and heating system checked by a professional. Another is to sign up for emergency notifications at WarnCentralTexas.org<\/a>, a primary way the city and county communicates hazards with the public, Watson said.<\/p>\n Before a power outage occurs, put together an emergency kit in your home and car with extra water, nonperishable food, blankets, and any needed medical supplies. During a blackout, it\u2019s best to stay in one room in the center of the house with all doors and windows closed, Robert Luckritz, chief of Austin-Travis County EMS, added.<\/p>\n Drier winter conditions can also increase risk of wildfires, especially when Austinites might attempt to build fires, run electric or kerosene heaters, or leave the oven on to keep warm when the power goes out. Jeffrey Kennedy, assistant chief of the Austin Fire Department, reminded residents that half of all home fires occur in December, January, and February, and embers can travel up to a mile by wind. Don\u2019t run a generator indoors, keep the area clear around space heaters, make sure the chimney flue is open before igniting the fireplace, and be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms, like lethargy. Don\u2019t sit in a running car in the garage to keep warm.<\/p>\n Jim Redick, director of Austin Emergency Management, says it\u2019s crucial to know your neighbors before a winter storm happens. \u201cLook out for your neighbors \u2013 that in and of itself, that small act of getting to know your neighbors and checking on them during a disaster can literally save lives,\u201d Redick said.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re in need of a bed when cold temperatures are in the forecast, contact the weather shelter hotline at 512\/972-5055.<\/p>\n