News

City of Austin Utilities Help Customers Prepare for Winter Weather

November 29, 2022

Austin Water, Austin Energy and the City of Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management are helping customers take steps now to prepare for the upcoming winter season. Meter keys, hose bib covers, hand-crank flashlights, emergency preparedness kit materials and winter preparedness tip sheets will be provided by the City.

Customers can pick up these supplies, while they last, at City of Austin Utilities Customer Service Centers (UCSC) this week and again in January:
 
UCSC — North
8716 Research Blvd., Suite 115
Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022 and Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023
8 a.m. – 2 p.m. — or while supplies last
 
UCSC — East
Rosewood-Zaragosa Center
2800 Webberville Road
Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022 and Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023
8 a.m. – 2 p.m. — or while supplies last
 
UCSC — South 
1901 W. William Cannon Drive, Suite 100
Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022 and Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023
8 a.m. – 2 p.m. — or while supplies last
 
Customers are also urged to tune in for emergency alerts by: 

Make note: Austin Water’s 24-Hour Emergency Hotline can be reached at 512-972-1000, Option 1

Tips to Prepare Your Pipes for Freezing Weather

Austin Water encourages customers to take steps now to prepare for winter. Following a few, easy steps now will help customers protect their property and prevent damage when freezing weather does arrive in Austin.

  1. Locate your water shutoff. 
    Locate the water main shutoff valve and keep it clear of debris and obstacles at all times. For most homes, the property owner’s shutoff valve is on your side of the water meter at the meter box. For renters, please consult with your property manager. If you cannot find your shutoff valve or if it is damaged, then you should be prepared to access the City shutoff valve in the meter box in an emergency. You may need a water meter key to open the meter box, which can be purchased at most hardware stores. Watch a video about how to locate your water shutoff.
     
  2. Weatherize to keep out cold air. 
    Make repairs to broken or drafty windows, doors, and walls. Seal all leaks in crawl spaces and basements. Winterize unheated spaces and be prepared to close garage doors for the duration of the freeze. Gather supplies to cover vents on your home’s foundation.
     
  3. Weatherize exposed pipes and water heaters. 
    Prepare to insulate pipes in unheated and drafty areas, such as an attic or garage. Also check manufacturer recommendations for your tanked and tankless water heaters. Hardware and plumbing supply stores carry insulation to help keep pipes from freezing. Get all supplies now so you are ready to wrap pipes and water heaters when a winter storm is approaching.
     
  4. Learn how to drip faucets properly.
    After the measures above are taken, drip one cold water faucet slowly if you feel your pipes may still freeze. The faucet you choose should be the one that is the greatest distance from your main shutoff valve. It does not need to be a running trickle. If you do drip your faucet, capture the water for future use. Watch a video about how to drip faucets properly.
     
  5. Outside faucets. Austin Water encourages all customers to turn off irrigation systems during the winter months to help conserve water. Prepare supplies to wrap outside faucets with towels or a Styrofoam insulator.
     
  6. Gather supplies to be prepared.
    Having one gallon of water per person and pet per day for seven days on hand to help avoid the rush at stores when the first winter storm of the season approaches.

Emergency Weather Tips from Austin Energy

In Case of a Power Outage

To report a power outage, text OUT to 287846 or visit outagemap.austinenergy.com. You can also report an outage by calling 512-322-9100.

  • Unplug appliances and turn off most lights to avoid overloading circuits when power is restored.
  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed during an outage and follow FDA guidelines for food safety.
  • Monitor ERCOT grid conditions at ERCOT.com for information impacting local and statewide electricity service.
  • Follow Austin Energy on social media

Electrical Safety Tips

  • If using an electric space heater, be sure it has an automatic shut-off switch and non-glowing elements, and make sure to keep away from flammable materials.
  • Never heat your home with a gas oven or burn anything in a stove or a fireplace that is not vented. Do not burn paper in a fireplace.
  • Do not drive over or go near a downed power line, as 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.

Learn more about how to stay warm, stay safe, and save on your utility bill during winter weather at austinenergy.com/go/winter.