As you probably already know, severe cold weather is already hitting the Austin and is expected to get worse in the following days.

To that end, the mod team has come up with this post to help coordinate help and provide a common post for finding more information.

I'll be updating this post as I aggregate more posts and comments - feel free to add your own.

Note on content moderation

We'll be removing the following individual posts and directing them to post here:

• Road conditions("Is I35 ok to drive?")
• PSA/Asking for advice/firewood.
• Non-major status updates(grocery stores have <x> in stock)
• Low quality memes(Mod discretion)

What's the forecast?

Extreme cold - single digit temperatures are expected.

https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=30.26759000000004&lon=-97.74298999999996

Expect temperatures to bounce around freezing with a deep chill starting Sunday Morning, with temperatures staying below freezing for several days.

Report power outage and view status

Austin Energy

Report outage: https://austinenergy.com/ae/outages/report-outages - be sure to check breakers before reporting.

Outage Map: https://outagemap.austinenergy.com/external/default.html

Get Outage Alerts via Text : https://austinenergy.com/ae/outages/get-outage-alerts

Blue Bonnet Co-Op

Report outage: https://www.bluebonnet.coop/outages

Pedernales Co-Op

Outage map & Report Outage: https://outages.pec.coop/dmsoutagemap/default.html

What to do in house or apartment

Things to do right now

• Charge any devices and powerbanks - Yes keep doing this.
• Continue to drip Interior faucets that are on an exterior wall and open the cabinets under the sink. Be sure to use both hot/cold if you can.
• Drip/insulate/x-mas light or whatever the hell you want to do for your exterior faucets. https://www.reddit.com/r/Austin/comments/liiko2/so_are_we_drippin_or_insulatin_yall/
• Switch fan directions - https://www.hunterfan.com/blogs/hunter-blog/ceiling-fan-direction-for-summer-and-winter
• Set your heat inside to at least 65 F
• Familiarize yourself with where your water shutoff valve is and set out tools to shut off water valve. (housing dependent)
• Do any "absolutely-have-to-do-errands" - pick up medicine and the like.
• Winterize your sprinkler system - https://savewatertexas.org/winterizing-irrigation/

Things to do tomorrow/when it's safe

• If you have any gas appliances, check your carbon monoxide detectors.
• Move vehicles away from trees/branches.

What to do if your faucets are frozen

You have a few options depending on how exposed the pipe is and where the ice blockage is. Your best bet is to always consult a plumber though.

The Mod team doesn't feel comfortable giving plumbing advice when the wrong action can cause severe property damage and we do not endorse any actions provided by other redditors.

You can ask at https://www.reddit.com/r/Plumbing/ as well.

If you lose power/heat

• Recognize the signs of hypothermia:

Hypothermia is an unusually low body temperature. A temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency.

Signs: Shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech or drowsiness.

• Do not use a gas stove top to heat a home.
• Do not use a generator, grill or any other gas appliance indoors. Seriously - people die every year because of this.
• Dress in layers.
• If possible, keep family members/pets in a central room with the doors closed.
• Use blankets to help insulate windows.
• Use towels to block drafts at doors.

Gardening

• Bring plants inside or in garage if possible.
• If you are unable to do that, consider covering with cloth and keeping warm with an incadescent bulb/christmas lights.

See /r/AustinGardening for more tips.

How to help others

Homeless

Emergency Shelters: https://www.reddit.com/r/Austin/comments/lirwx5/city_and_county_prepare_for_severe_weather/

Driving Tips for ice/snow.

Don't.

Seriously. Don't drive unless you have to.

Ok. If you do need to drive in this, avoid overpasses and bridges. Do NOT speed or tailgate. Leave plenty of space between you and other vehicles.

Consult road conditions before driving. Look at traffic conditions before going anywhere Review https://drivetexas.org/ and other sites.

If you hit ice, do not brake or over steer. Wait until you are off the ice patch to do anything.

• Do not use liquids to melt ice on your car. It'll crack windows.
• Use a credit card or spatula to clear the ice off - be sure to clean your sideview mirrors if they are not heated. You can try rubbing alcohol mixtures
• Check your tire pressure and fill them up. You lose 2 psi for every 10F drop - if you've been putting it off, do it NOW. Do NOT overinflate and remember to check again after the cold snap.
• Unplug any devices that may be drawing power in your car. In this weather, it may sap just enough power to prevent your car from starting.

General guides

Ready.gov - https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather

Austin Water - https://www.austintexas.gov/department/cold-weather-tips-potential-freezing-weather

CDC Power outage guide - https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/poweroutage/needtoknow.html