The temperatures and weather conditions in the region for the next few days are still dangerous. As temperatures are not above freezing, the public are encouraged to stay away from the streets unless strictly necessary. First responders work to answer calls as quickly as possible. However, you are also affected by the same travel conditions.
In order to relieve the demand for 9-1-1 surgeries, the Austin Police Department asked the public not to call 9-1-1 to report power outages and only call 9-1-1 if it is one Emergency is life or death. In non-emergency situations, please call 3-1-1 or use the Austin 3-1-1 App. Please note that 3-1-1 has a high call volume. If you get a busy signal, please be patient and dial again or use the Austin 3-1-1 App submit a request.
In response to the cold weather storm, the city of Austin is working with several state and government agencies to provide critical services to the community. Below are information about important resources and ways to find additional information. You can also find the latest updates in the city of Austin Twitter and Facebook.
Available resources for individuals
Cold weather shelters | Energy and strength | Water services | transport
COVID-19 | Garbage and recycling | Other resources
Cold weather shelters
Locations across the city have opened a number of shelters and thermal centers with services for vulnerable populations.
- Austin City 24 Hour Emergency Shelters: Please check City of Austin Twitter and Facebook Posts for the latest information on protection locations and availability.
- The Austin Disaster Relief Network has a network of belief-based sites that act as shelters. For a full list of these locations, including pet friendly accommodations, see ADRN’s website. These locations are not equipped with full service. People accessing these locations should bring supplies and blankets.
- Austin Independent School District (AISD) Open thermal centers that allow individuals to warm up and recharge essential medical devices that operate from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. These thermal centers are not operated as overnight accommodation and have minimal on-site resources. The latest information on the locations and availability of these shelters can be found on the AISDs Twitter and Facebook Contributions.
- Most vulnerable populations: For those unable to seek refuge on the spot and need to travel to a shelter for medical reasons, please contact 311 or 512-974-2000 for more information or to arrange transportation. You can also send an email coaemergencyrides@austintexas.gov and include your name, phone number, address, the number of people who will need transportation, and your medical needs. Transportation resources are extremely limited and the public are encouraged to reserve this resource for our most vulnerable populations, especially those who need electricity for their medical devices.
Energy and strength
Due to the weather and the condition of the power grid, Austin Energy has had to sustain mostly prolonged outages and will continue to do so until the emergency is resolved. For the most up-to-date information, visit:
Water outages and services
Austin Water has sufficient water to supply our customers during this severe weather event. Most Austin Water customers do not need to boil water at this point. However, starting Wednesday morning (February 17), a cook notice was issued for Southwest Austin and Lost Creek. Details can be found here: Advice on boiling water and frequently asked questions | AustinTexas.gov
- For the most up-to-date information on Austin Water cooking notifications and services, see Austin Water’s posts at Twitter and Facebook.
- Call 512-972-1000 to report major water breaks. Residents can also report problems online: Online leak report form | AustinTexas.gov
- If the pipes in your home or business have burst, stop wasting water by turning off the water at the owner’s stop valve. If you can’t find your owner’s stop valve or it’s not working, call Austin Water at 512-972-1000 for assistance turning off your water. Austin Water will still be available for customer service calls, but lines may be busy due to high demand.
- Customers are asked to minimize the impact and stress on our water and electrical systems by delaying the use of large appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers.
- Remember to protect your pipes. Check Here for tip.
- For more information on Austin Water’s services, visit the Austin Water website.
Transport services
The current weather conditions have affected the transportation services. Due to the dangerous winter weather, residents are advised to stay wherever possible until the weather and road conditions improve. The public is urged to keep the streets free and safe for first responders and those seeking protection.
- Latest information on roads and highways:
- For Capital Metro Service:
- For Austin Airport:
COVID-19 services
Austin Public Health (APH) is delaying appointments for COVID-19 vaccination clinics and testing centers on Tuesday and Wednesday due to bad weather and icy road conditions. The latest updates on test and vaccination sites can be found at Austin Public Health COVID-19 website.
Garbage, composting and recycling services
Austin Resource Recovery has suspended roadside pickups due to severe weather. For the latest updates at the time the services resume, see Austin Resource Recovery website or download the Recycle the ATX app to receive notifications of your roadside pickup schedule.
Other resources
- Possibilities for preparation and safety during a winter storm:
- Keep cell phones and backup chargers fully charged.
- If you work or study at home, save your work regularly and make sure your devices are in power strips. Using a power strip protects electronic devices in the event of a power failure. Consider using external power sources for your electronics.
- Put together a storm prep kit with flashlights, fresh batteries, snacks, water, and other necessities. Make sure everyone in your house knows where to find it.
- Keep your fridge and freezer doors closed whenever possible. The food stays good for up to four hours.
- Do not drive over or approach a failed power line. She could be under tension. Call 311 when you see a line down to report it. If the line is twinkling, call 911.
- If you see branches on wires or decrepit branches please call 311 to report them.
- Ways to save energy in cold weather:
- Set your thermostat to 68 degrees or less in winter. Wear warm, comfortable clothing to stay warm inside instead of turning on the thermostat.
- Keep doors and windows closed to prevent hot air from escaping the house.
- If you have a fireplace, you can use it to heat your home instead of turning up the thermostat. When not in use, make sure that your chimney flap is closed so that no heat can escape from the chimney.
- Set the ceiling fans to run clockwise at a low speed. This gentle updraft helps to force warm air near the ceiling into your living space.
- Save energy in the kitchen. Give your oven and wallet a break by using the oven light to inspect the food instead of opening the door. Use a slow cooker or microwave instead of the oven. Do not use the stove to heat your home.
- More information about energy savings in winter can be found here Here.
- Ways to help
- When you have electricity, you save energy to stabilize the electricity grid for the rest of our community. Turn off the lights, turn the thermostats down to 68 degrees, close the blinds and shades to reduce heat loss through the windows, turn off unneeded lights and appliances, and unplug the power cord. Avoid using large appliances (e.g. ovens, washing machines, etc.).
- If you live near a cold weather home and want to volunteer, you can register Here. Please do not voluntarily drive to an animal shelter as the road conditions are dangerous.
- The Austin Area Urban League has launched one Emergency fundraiser called the # LoveThyNeighborTX campaignTo accept monetary donations.
- The Austin Free Lunch offers home cooked meals for people living with homelessness. Free Lunch is a company that cooks and delivers meals to the Esperanza Community, Visit, four days a week Free ATX lunch make a donation.
- If you want donate a warm one Blanket, Front Steps accepts blankets downtown, or you can order the blanket online and have it shipped straight to the shelter.