A cold front is moving into Central Texas, so many people in Austin will be wearing warm clothing in the next few days. Strong winds, arctic air, and a remote possibility of wintry mix showers are all on the table, but the First Warning Weather Team at KXAN does not anticipate any significant ice buildup.
Before the cold front hits, here are a few things locals can do to be ready for the weather.
Get the petrol tank filled and the tires inflated.
Before the storm hits, drivers should fill up their tanks to the recommended level to avoid traveling with inadequate gasoline. In addition to filling up the gas tank, it is highly advised to inflate the tires to avoid low pressure or, worse, a flat tire.
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The arrival of cold weather is accompanied by a contraction of the air molecules due to the lower temperatures, as stated by Burt Brothers Tire & Service. Burt Brothers specialists explained that tires deflate when air molecules cease flowing because they can’t fill the inner area.
Ensure that your home is stocked with water, non-perishable goods, and food.
There should be at least a few days’ worth of non-perishable food on hand for every household member in case of an unexpected power loss or change in road conditions. Similarly, the Red Cross recommends stocking up on drinking water—at least one gallon per person, per day—especially if severe weather is predicted for many days in a row.
Get a disaster supply kit ready.
The following are examples of what may be included in a winter survival kit:
- Lamps with extra batteries
- Convenient and backup power sources
- Mobile radio
- Medical emergency supplies
- Medications with a prescription
- Firestarters in an airtight container
- Light Sources
- Manual can opener
- Sanitizer for hands
- wet wipes
- Cash
The Red Cross recommends keeping an emergency supply kit in one’s car, just like one would in one’s house, in case of a stranding. It is recommended to include items such as a blanket, warm clothes, a first aid kit, non-perishable food, water, and boots. Similarly, a snow shovel, windshield scraper, and ice-melting supplies are essential items to have on hand in case of snow or ice.
Layer Up Before Going Outside
People should make sure their lips, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes are fully covered in warm, dry clothes if they have to leave the house. The Red Cross says these are the body parts most likely to get frostbite.
The Red Cross said that when it’s really cold, you need to wear layers of open clothing, a coat, a hat, gloves, a scarf, and boots that won’t get wet.
Keep heating supplies on hand
For people who have fires or wood heaters, make sure they always have plenty of dry firewood on hand. In an emergency, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension says that kerosene heaters are another way to heat your home.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen when people burn wood indoors, so they should never do that. Portable generators that run on gas should be set up in a dry, outside area away from air openings to avoid the same kinds of poisoning risks.
Don’t forget the four P’s
Experts say that people, pets, plants, and ipes should all be properly cared for before bad weather or temperatures below freezing. People, pets, and plants should all stay inside during the freeze. Pipes should be prepared and wrapped in insulation material before the freeze starts.