Last Updated: 02/17/2021 - Please be sure to check back frequently for the most up to date information.
Temperatures and weather conditions in the region for the next few days are still hazardous. With temperatures not expecting to rise above freezing, the public is urged to stay off the roadways unless absolutely necessary. First responders are working to respond to calls as quick as possible; however, they are also impacted by the same travel conditions.
To help free up demand on 9-1-1 operations, Austin Police Department has asked the public to not call 9-1-1 to report power outages and only call 9-1-1 if it is a life or death emergency. For non-emergency situations, please call 3-1-1, or use the Austin 3-1-1 app. Please note, 3-1-1 is experiencing high call volumes. If you receive a busy signal, please be patient and redial or use the Austin 3-1-1 app to submit a request.
In response to the severe cold weather event, the City of Austin is partnering with multiple governmental and public agencies to provide critical services to the community. We’ve included below information on critical resources and ways to find additional information. You can also find the latest updates through the City of Austin’s Twitter and Facebook.
Available Resources for Individuals
Cold Weather Shelters | Energy and Power | Water Services | Transportation
COVID-19 | Trash and Recycling | Other Resources | Latest News
Cold Weather Shelters
Locations throughout the city have opened a number of shelters and warming centers with services for vulnerable populations.
- City of Austin 24-hour shelters: Please check City of Austin Twitter and Facebook posts for the latest information on shelter locations and availability.
- The Austin Disaster Relief Network has a network of faith-based locations that are operating as shelters. A full list of these locations, including pet-friendly shelters, can be found on ADRN’s website. These locations are not equipped with full services. People accessing these locations should bring supplies and blankets.
- Austin Independent School District (AISD) opened warming centers that will provide individuals a place to warm up and charge essential medical devices that will operate from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. These warming centers will not operate as overnight shelters and will have minimal resources on site. The latest information on the locations and availability of these shelters can be found on AISD’s Twitter and Facebook posts.
- Most vulnerable populations: For individuals who are unable to shelter in place and must travel to a shelter due to medical necessity, please contact 311 or 512-974-2000 for additional information or to arrange transportation. You can also email coaemergencyrides@austintexas.gov and provide your name, phone number, address, number of people needing transport and medical needs. Transportation resources are extremely limited, and the public is asked to reserve this resource for our most vulnerable population, especially those who require power for their medical devices.
Energy and Power
Due to the severity of weather and the condition of the electric grid, Austin Energy has had to mostly maintain sustained outages, and this will continue until the emergency situation resolves. For the most up-to-date information, go to:
Water Outages and Services
As a result of the extreme weather conditions, a city-wide boil water notice has been issued due to power loss at The Ullrich Water Treatment Plant, Austin Water’s largest water treatment facility, and drops in water pressures below minimum standards. Details may be found here: Boil Water Notice and FAQs
- For the most up to date information on boil notices and Austin Water services, please visit Austin Water’s posts on Twitter and Facebook.
- To report water main breaks, call 512-972-1000; Residents may also report issues online: Online Leak Report Form | AustinTexas.gov
- If pipes at your home or business have burst, stop water waste by turning off your water at the property-owners cut-off valve. If you are unable to locate your property-owners cut-off valve or if it won’t work, then call Austin Water at 512-972-1000 for assistance with turning off your water. Austin Water remains available to take calls regarding customer service questions, but lines may be busy due to high demand.
- Customers are asked to minimize the impact and strain on our water and electric system by delaying the use of large appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers.
- Remember to protect your pipes. Check here for tips.
- Additional information on Austin Water services can be found on the Austin Water website.
Transportation Services
Current weather conditions have impacted transportation services. Due to the hazardous winter weather, residents are encouraged to stay in place if possible until weather and road conditions improve. The public is urged to keep the roadways clear and safe for first responders and those seeking shelter.
- 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 vaccine clinics and testing sites on Tuesday and Wednesday due to inclement weather and icy road conditions. To find the latest updates on testing and vaccine sites, go to the Austin Public Health COVID-19 webpage.
Trash, Composting, and Recycling Services
Austin Resource Recovery has suspended curbside pickup due to severe weather. For the latest updates on when services will resume, please visit the Austin Resource Recovery website or download the Recycle ATX app to receive notifications about your curbside collection schedule.
Other Resources
- Ways to prepare and stay safe during a winter storm:
- Keep cellphones charged and backup chargers fully charged.
- If working or learning at home, save your work periodically and make sure your devices are on power strips. Using a power strip helps protect electronic devices in case of a power outage. Consider using external power sources for your electronics.
- Assemble a storm preparation kit with flashlights, fresh batteries, snacks, water, and other necessities. Make sure everyone in your home knows where to find it.
- Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed, if possible. Food will stay good up to four hours.
- Do not drive over or go near a downed power line, it could be energized. Call 311 if you see a downed line to report it. If the line is sparking, call 911.
- If you see limbs on wires or see downed tree limbs, please call 311 to report them.
- Keep cellphones charged and backup chargers fully charged.
- Ways to save energy during cold weather:
- Set your thermostat at 68 degrees or lower in the winter. Wear warm, comfortable clothing to help stay warm indoors instead of adjusting the thermostat.
- Keep doors and windows closed to minimize hot air from escaping the home.
- If you have a fireplace, use it to help heat your home instead of turning up the thermostat. When not in use, make sure your fireplace damper is closed to prevent heat from escaping up the chimney.
- Switch the setting on ceiling fans to run clockwise at a low speed. This gentle updraft helps push warm air near the ceiling down into your living space.
- Save energy in the kitchen. Give your oven and wallet a break by using the oven light to check on the food instead of opening the door. Use a slow cooker or microwave instead of the oven. Do not use the oven to heat your home.
- More information about winter energy savings can be found here.
- Set your thermostat at 68 degrees or lower in the winter. Wear warm, comfortable clothing to help stay warm indoors instead of adjusting the thermostat.
- Ways to Help
- If you have power, conserve energy to help stabilize the power grid for the rest of our community. Turn off lights, turn down thermostats to 68-degrees, close shades & blinds to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows, turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances, avoid using large appliances (i.e., ovens, washing machines, etc.).
- If you live close to a Cold Weather Shelter and would like to volunteer, you can sign up here. Please avoid driving to a shelter to volunteer, as road conditions are hazardous.
- The Austin Area Urban League has launched an emergency donation drive, called the #LoveThyNeighborTX campaign, to accept monetary donations.
- Austin's Free Lunch program provides home-cooked meals to people experiencing homelessness. Free Lunch is a business that cooks and delivers meals four days a week to the Esperanza Community, Visit Free ATX Lunch to make a donation.
- If you want to donate a warm blanket, Front Steps is accepting blankets at their downtown location, or you can order the blanket online and have it shipped directly to the shelter.
Latest New Releases
02/17/2020 - City and County Enact Orders Due to Severe Weather, New Shelter Locations
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February 2021 - Cold Weather Emergency Resources - AustinTexas.gov
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