Bracing for the chill: Round Rock prepares for freezing temperatures

Arctic air is expected to arrive in Round Rock early Sunday morning, bringing with it a period of sub-freezing temperatures, with the coldest temperatures anticipated on Tuesday morning. Although only trace amounts of freezing precipitation are expected Sunday and overnight into Monday, residents should be aware of the potential for icy conditions, especially on elevated roadways and bridges. The City of Round Rock is taking measures to prepare for the winter event, and reminds residents that now is the time to prepare for winter weather in your household.

City facilities are being readied to ensure core services remain operational in case of power outages, particularly for utilities infrastructure. Bridges and elevated structures are expected to be treated with pre-treat material to prevent ice formation, with crews ready to apply additional treatments like sanding for traction as necessary. The City is focusing its efforts on maintaining access for emergency services and keeping critical infrastructure functional, so motorists are encouraged to follow guidance from local law enforcement and media channels.

Sign up for alerts

Now is an opportune time to register your cell phone number and/or email address with Warn Central Texas to receive emergency alerts from local officials by text, phone and/or email. The program is available in Williamson County and surrounding counties through the Capital Area Council of Governments (CAPCOG). Register today at warncentraltexas.org. 

If you or anyone you know need some assistance during times of an emergency event, please register them, or yourself, on the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry.

Remember winter weather basics

As always, the City of Round Rock reminds residents to follow the four “P’s” of winter weather safety:

• PEOPLE: Keep your family warm and check on any elderly family or neighbors that may need extra blankets, help winterizing their homes or a warm place to stay.
• PETS: Bring dogs and cats inside at night to keep them healthy and safe.
• PLANTS:  Either cover plants to keep them warm at night or bring them inside so they can flourish.
• PIPES:  Cover exposed pipes to prevent freezing and breaks. Check out our comprehensive blog on creating a Winter Ready Water System in your home that prevents your pipes from freezing and breaking in winter weather. Turn off sprinklers to prevent causing damage to your irrigation system.

Get familiar with weather vehicle safety

Check local media for up-to-date information before getting on the roads. You can also monitor road conditions by visiting drivetexas.org or calling 1-800-452-9292. If icy conditions materialize during, non-essential travel is discouraged. If you must travel, drive slowly and increase your stopping distance. Watch for downed trees and power lines across roads. If power fails, treat all intersections as four-way stops. If you must travel in rough weather conditions, always keep your gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. These items could save your life in the case you encounter winter weather on the road:

• Blankets/sleeping bags and extra clothing, mittens and hat
• Cell phone, radio, flashlight, extra batteries
• First-aid kit and pocket knife
• High calorie, non-perishable food, bottled water
• Sack of sand or cat litter for de-icing roadway
• Windshield scraper
• Tool kit, booster cables and shovel
• Emergency flares
• If you are bringing your pet with you, make sure to include pet food and supplies

Know how to report and get updates on power outages

Oncor is the electricity provider in the City of Round Rock. Report power outages through Oncor’s Storm Center website, by calling 888-313-4747 or texting OUT to 66267 if you have registered for My Oncor Alerts. To register for My Oncor Alerts, text REG to 66267. You will receive proactive power outage notifications and status updates all from your phone. (You can also select your contact preferences – email, text or voice alert).

Check your winter emergency supplies

Make sure you have the following basic emergency supplies on hand in preparation for a winter weather event:

• First aid kit
• Battery-operated radio, NOAA Weather Radio and extra batteries or hand crank radio, cell phones and chargers
• Seven-day supply of prescription medications, copies of prescriptions, special medical items, hearing aids and batteries, eyeglasses
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Supplies for babies, the elderly, family members with special health care needs, and food and supplies for pets
• Manual can opener, knife, tools, fire extinguisher, duct tape, tarp, rope
• Solar chargers or power banks for items that rely on electricity

If your power goes out, alternative cooking sources that can be used in times of emergency include candle warmers, chafing dishes, fondue pots or a fireplace. Never use charcoal grills and camp stoves indoors due to the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. If at any point you think you smell gas, act fast — leave the area immediately and from a safe distance call 911
and the Atmos Energy emergency number at 866-322-8667.

For additional information and tips on preparing for winter weather, visit ready.gov/winter-weather.

The post Bracing for the chill: Round Rock prepares for freezing temperatures appeared first on City of Round Rock.

Source: City of Round Rock