As Travis County officials detailed plans and preparations for the next big winter storm, some said that the public might not be taking the threat seriously enough.
On Tuesday, leaders from the Office of Emergency Management, Transportation and Natural Resources, Health and Human Services, EMS and other departments briefed the Travis County Commissioners Court. Commissioners applauded the work completed so far and voted unanimously in favor of a county winter safety awareness proclamation.
Gabriel Stock, director of facilities management, said the department has developed multiple plans based on temperatures. Freeze Stage C – which is below 9 degrees – is the most severe. Facilities management has protected exposed pipes and valves, made sure heating systems and emergency generators are ready and stocked up on de-icing supplies including magnesium chloride for the roads, he said. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is ready to transport personnel, if necessary.
The department is also working to add generator docking stations and transfer switches to three community centers and the expo center, he said. These will allow the use of generators to power the facilities when they lose power in a storm.
“Unfortunately, the equipment has a long lead time for the switches,” Stock said. “They could be a year out. We’re working … to see if there’s a temporary solution for at least one facility while we’re waiting on permanent equipment.”
The sheriff’s department has provided winter clothing to applicable personnel and made sure every vehicle has tire chains, Major William Poole told commissioners. The staff is prepared for extended shifts and can be diverted from nonessential to essential tasks, he said.
Major Raul Banasco said the corrections department has acquired trailer generators in case of power outages and created contingency plans.
“We have a five-day contingency plan for all the individuals in our custody as well as a 690-gallon fuel tank at Del Valle for refueling our vehicles and generators.” he said. “We can issue second blankets as well as cotton sweatshirts to all those in our custody to ensure they stay warm.”
Chief Emergency Management Coordinator Eric Carter said these preparations are important, but the community has to do its part.
“As you can see, the agencies up here today have, over the course of a year, been working to be better prepared,” he said. “But the message here today is that the whole community needs to be prepared. That’s why we’re asking the court to make this proclamation.”
Precinct 3 Commissioner Ann Howard said she’s seen evidence in her precinct that the public is not taking winter storms seriously.
“We still have an uphill battle convincing the public that this could just be more normal now,” she said.
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Travis County Commissioners Court: The legislative body for Travis County. It includes representatives from the four Travis County Precincts, as well as the County Judge. The County Judge serves as the chair of the Court.
