As winter's chill sets in Austin's city, utilities are beefing up their efforts to help residents prepare for the cold. Austin Water, Austin Energy, and the city's homeland security office are giving out free winter weatherproofing gear this week while supplies last, according to an announcement from the city.
Residents can snatch up meter keys, covers for their hose bibs, and emergency kits at various customer service centers. The first giveaway was at the North location on Research Blvd. this Tuesday, kicking off at 8 a.m. But gear junkies beware; it's a first-come, first-served affair.
The city is pushing a winter preparedness mantra it's calling the "4 P's": people, pets, plants, and pipes. They're directing folks to ReadyCentralTexas.org for the lowdown on staying safe when Jack Frost comes knocking. The advice doesn't stop at simple prep; they're also schooling residents on building a proper shelter-in-place kit.
And if Mother Nature throws a mean curveball, the city wants you locked into their alerts. How? By downloading apps, signing up for notifications, and keeping emergency hotlines at the ready. For power outages, text "REG" to 287846 to get hooked up with Austin Energy's alert system. For a water crisis, Austin's emergency hotline is standing by at 512-972-1000, Option 1, the City of Austin notice states.
