Williamson County wants residents to be prepared for any severe weather that comes to Central Texas this winter. Departments are already planning and preparing for the possibility of ice and snow and now is also the time for residents to be prepared for severe weather. Following are some tips from our local experts.
From Williamson County Road and Bridge
- Have materials handy to create traction on walkways. This includes sandbox sand, kitty litter,
sawdust, or salt. - Have the proper equipment. You will want an ice scraper for car windows and a shovel to spread material for traction.
- Keep your gas tanks filled.
- If road conditions are icy or dangerous, stay at home.
From Emergency Management
- Sign up for emergency alerts.
- Make a plan. Visit wilco.org/Departments/Emergency-Management for details on how to make a plan and build a kit with essential supplies like food, water and medicine for seven days. Include your pets in your plan as well.
- Protect your vehicle. Catch up on any needed maintenance now. Have an emergency kit for your car with jumper cables, flashlight, ice scraper for windows, blanket, bottled water and snacks.
- If you own a business, check your insurance coverage. Establish an emergency
communications plan for employees.
From EMS
- If you use oxygen, are on dialysis, or take medications crucial to survival, have a plan to ensure an adequate supply for seven days.
- Stay off the roads if possible during inclement weather.
- Avoid walking on ice where you can slip and fall. Best to stay inside.
- Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Anything that uses fire to make heat in your home without proper ventilation replaces the oxygen in your body with deadly carbon monoxide. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven. The early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, dizziness, and nausea.