Winter is coming
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Last week gave us a taste of winter, and this week's milder temperatures offer a chance to prepare your home for longer stretches of cold weather.
Why it matters: Texas' grid has been vulnerable to winter and summer weather extremes and has faced intense scrutiny since mass power outages during the February 2021 winter storm that left millions of Texans without power.
Driving the news: Winter officially starts Saturday and ends March 20.
- Austin officials — along with the state's grid operator — say they're prepared to handle extreme cold this winter.
Threat level: Ice storms, cold snaps, hail and winter storms are projected to cause more than $754 million in losses in Texas every year, per the Dallas Morning News.
- Travis County is at a "relatively high" risk of losses due to winter weather, per FEMA's National Risk Index.
Zoom in: Here are some tips from the Texas Department of Insurance to prepare your home for winter weather.
🚰 Secure the exterior pipes. Drain and switch off your lawn sprinkler system. Attach insulated covers to outdoor faucets. Many local stores run out of these as it gets colder.
🛠️ Have these supplies on hand. Water meter key to access your meter box, insulation for pipes and hot water heaters, hose bib covers, battery-powered radio and flashlight and 1 gallon of water per person and pet per day for seven days.
💨 Check for safety. Test your carbon monoxide and smoke alarms. Know where your water shutoff valve is.
🪜 Zip it. Check your attic insulation and seal any cracks around your bathroom and kitchen pipes.
🪵 Clean the chimney. Inspect and clean your chimney and furnace.
🚨 Access emergency alerts: Download the Ready Central Texas mobile app for more tips on emergency preparedness. Plus, save Austin Water's 24-hour emergency hotline: 512-972-1000, option 1.
What's next: The city's Street and Bridge Operations will conduct field training today to prepare for their winter weather response, including debris removal and brine application during winter storms.