Winter Emergency Preparedness

The University of Texas at Austin Office of Security & Emergency Management sent an email to the university community this afternoon:

“The University is monitoring the possibility for frozen precipitation that could cause hazardous travel conditions and impact campus operations starting Monday evening and continuing into the day on Tuesday. As forecasts become more specific, we will assess the need to adjust schedules and communicate any changes to our campus community.
We encourage you to monitor UT’s Emergency Alerts page and official University channels, including Longhorn Alert (ELC students use Remind), for operational updates. In the meantime, take steps to prepare for winter weather and monitor forecasts and road conditions, especially if you are traveling.”

In the case that winter weather affects The University of Texas at Austin or our larger Austin community it is always good to be prepared. See the winter weather emergency preparedness tips below to ensure that you can stay safe during a winter weather event.

UT will post information on the Emergency Alerts page:

• https://emergency.utexas.edu/

•  Or call: 512-232-9999

Remind Emergency Alert texts for ELC students:

Smartphone notifications:

• Open your web browser,
• Type in rmd.at/utenglish,
• Follow instructions to sign up.
• Download the Remind app.

Text notifications:

• Text  @utenglish
• to 81010
• or (619) 618-2041.

Email notifications:

• Go to rmd.at/utenglish,
• Sign up for email notifications.

 

 

 

Basic Supplies:

• 7-day supply of any prescribed medications.

• One gallon of water person per day (3-day supply recommended).

• 3-day supply of non-perishable food and a can opener.

• Cell phone, charging cable, and portable battery charger.

• Flashlight and extra batteries.

• Warm clothes and blankets.

Personal Preparedness:

• Have emergency supplies on hand at home, at work, and in the car (like those listed above). The Office of Emergency Management created a basic emergency supply kit template that you can download to assist you in creating your own emergency supply kit for you and your family.
• Dress in appropriate clothing when outdoors. Wear tightly woven, preferably wind-resistant coat or jacket. Ensure your inner layers of clothing are light and warm. Wear mittens or gloves, hats that cover your ears, scarves, and waterproof boots outside if able.
• Wear at least three layers of loose-fitting clothing including insulated gloves and boots. Monitor your physical condition as well as your coworkers if working outside. Try your best to stay dry and pack extra clothes; moisture can increase heat loss from your body. Remember to take frequent breaks in warm, dry areas and stay hydrated! Even if it’s cold, you still need to hydrate when working outdoors.
• Remember the “4 P’s of Winter Preparedness” – People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants. All of these are vulnerable during cold temperatures. Take a look and download our Fact Sheet on the “4 P’s!”
• If you see ice patches outside on your driveway or sidewalk sprinkle cat litter, salt, or sand on icy patches to help melt and provide more traction if walking on ice outdoors.
• Ensure that you have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home, especially if using alternative heating devices. Please use heating devices safely.

City of Austin:

• When the university is closed, the city of Austin will also likely be impacted by power and/or water outages.
• Visit the City of Austin website to download alert apps for your smartphone, along with materials to help you prepare for an emergency,

Check Local Weather Conditions:

• From UT’s meteorologist, Troy Kimmel.
• Local National Weather Service (NWS) Austin/San Antonio area for the latest updates.
• Local NWS posts
• National Weather Service 7-Day Forecast
• View current UT Austin weather conditions through WeatherSTEM