Austin is bracing for another bout with Mother Nature as forecasts predict strong winds and bone-chilling temperatures for the week. Local agencies have urged residents to gear up for the severe weather, advocating proactive measures to avoid the fallout of a winter wallop.
David Wiechmann, of Austin's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, told CBS Austin, "We really want Austinites to be more resilient than they've ever been before." The push for preparedness is driven by concerns over potential power outages and hazardous conditions. Utility companies are leaving nothing to chance, with Matt Mitchell from Austin Energy confirming, "Those preparations started as soon as summer ended," noting the months-long readiness efforts.
Residents are advised to secure loose yard items susceptible to the strong winds and protect their people, pets, plants, and pipes from freezing temperatures. If power lines fall, Austin Energy has issued a stern warning to steer clear and dial 911 immediately. The city is also preparing for ice storms, training transportation and public works employees on techniques from chainsaw handling to roadway treatment in icy conditions, a move spurred by prior winter crises, KXAN reports.
In an advisory to motorists and cyclists, the city suggests taking extra precautions while traveling in winter conditions, such as de-fogging windshields, a necessary step according to Autoweek.com, detailed in the same report from KXAN. As for residents without power, Mitchell has laid out a straightforward course of action, "If the lights go out and they stay out, give Austin 311 a call. Call us at the utility, and go to the outage map. You can report it via phone," he assured.
