Everything’s bigger in texas… Including the arctic blasts.
Hello District 49 Neighbors,
It's that time of year again--when we wonder if it's too late to restart our New Year's resolutions and the weather keeps changing by the hour. As it turns out, we've got an arctic blast headed towards Central Texas this weekend, so brace yourselves. Hopefully, it’s a lot of nothing, but better to be safe than sorry.
Our student team thought we'd share a few resources that we and our families use in case this is your first major weather event in Austin.
Your Winter Weather Preparedness Checklist
Follow the 4 P's to protect your household and property:
People: Dress in layers. Never use a generator, grill, or camp stove indoors, as they produce deadly carbon monoxide gas. Check that your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries and are working properly.
Pets: Bring pets indoors to keep them safe and warm.
Pipes: Insulate or cover exposed exterior pipes and hose bibs to prevent freezing. Locate your main water shutoff valve and keep it accessible, as you may need to turn off water to your home in an emergency. If temperatures drop below freezing, consider dripping one indoor faucet overnight.
Plants: Cover vulnerable outdoor plants or bring them inside.
In Case of Power Outage:
Safety: Do not drive over or go near a downed power line; call 311 to report it, or 911 if it is sparking. If using an electric space heater, ensure it has an automatic shut-off and keep it away from flammable materials. Never heat your home with a gas oven or stovetop.
Food Safety: Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food.
Lights/Appliances: Unplug non-essential appliances to prevent overloading circuits when power is restored.
ERCOT Grid Updates and Local Resiliency
For the latest updates on statewide grid conditions during an extreme weather event, you can monitor ERCOT directly:
Monitor ERCOT Grid Conditions: ERCOT.com
We know that past weather events have been lethal, costing lives and immense damage to our beautiful landscapes. Leaders must be committed to innovative, long-term solutions that protect Texans. Fortunately, our utilities have been investing billions in transmission and distribution infrastructure to harden the grid and improve reliability after Winter Storm Uri. But there's a ton more work to be done.
For a state this size, we need leadership that's not afraid to think BIG and creatively.
Important Emergency & Information Numbers for District 49
If you haven't done so, because maybe you're new to the Austin area and our sometimes whiplash weather, please save these numbers to your phone now before the weekend:
Austin Energy (Primary Electricity Provider)
Report a Power Outage (Non-Emergency): 512-322-9100
Text Outage Report: Text OUT to 287846
Austin Water (Primary Water Provider)
24-Hour Emergency Hotline (e.g., major water leak, burst pipe): 512-972-1000 (choose Option 1)
Non-Emergency City Services
311: To report issues like downed tree limbs or general city concerns.
Whether or Weather... Matters Not
When we talk about the power grid and climate, it is easy to get caught up in political labels and arguments about causes. But here in District 49, we have a unique opportunity to lead by dropping the labels and focusing purely on the solutions, on being innovative.
Whether we call it "building resilience" or "climate action," the goal is the same: to fortify our homes, infrastructure, and community against extreme weather. We don't have to go far for solutions: We have brilliant researchers, engineers, and community leaders in this very district who are developing and implementing these solutions.
By working together—focusing on smart, local investments and common-sense preparedness—we build a more secure future for every family, regardless of what we call the challenges.
Please take a few minutes today to gear up. You know what they say, luck favors the prepared.
Stay warm, stay safe, y'all.
Sincerely,
Longhorns for Lerner
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