Winter Storm Safety | City of Kyle

During extremely cold weather or winter storms, staying warm and safe can be a challenge. Winter storms can bring cold temperatures, power failures, water outages, loss of communication services, and deadly traffic conditions. To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, you should know how to prepare before a winter storm hits.

Current Winter Storm Conditions

There are no current winter weather conditions.
Stay informed through:
- Weather.gov for weather updates.
- Sign up for WarnCentralTexas.org to receive accurate and timely local alerts.

Winter Storm Safety Steps

Keep Yourself and Loved Ones Safe by Planning Ahead:

Make a communication plan and a disaster plan for your family.
Sign up for WarnCentralTexas.org to receive accurate and timely local alerts.
Create an emergency supply kit with non-perishable foods, cleaning supplies, and water for several days.
- The CDC recommends at least three days’ worth of supplies, including one gallon of water per day for each person and pet.
- For more information, visit Food and Water Needs: Preparing for a Disaster or Emergency.
Create a Winter Storm Survival Kit for your car that includes:
- Blankets, flashlights, first-aid kit, non-perishable food, extra clothing, shovel, booster cables, traction materials, water, and maps.
Weatherproof Your Home Before a Freeze:
- Insulate exposed pipes and faucets, and cover outside spigots.
- Know where your water shut-off valve is and how to use it.
- Bring pets and plants indoors or provide adequate protection.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly.
- Keep deicer, sand, or cat litter to prevent icy steps and sidewalks.

Driving During a Winter Storm:

Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
Check current road conditions and closures at drivetexas.org.
Drive slowly, increase following distance, and use extra caution on bridges and shaded areas.

If You Are Under a Winter Storm Watch or Warning:

Review emergency plans and supplies, ensuring you have enough medications and essentials.
Weatherproof your home and drip faucets during sustained freezing weather.
Keep cell phones fully charged in case of power outages.
Follow updates from the City of Kyle on Facebook.
Protect pets by keeping them indoors or providing insulated outdoor shelters.
- It is unlawful to tether animals outside during severe weather, including below-freezing temperatures.

If You Lose Power During a Winter Storm:

Conserve heat by closing off unused rooms and covering windows at night.
Wear layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing and use extra blankets.
Drink warm, non-caffeinated beverages to maintain body heat.
Generator Safety:
- Never use generators, grills, or camp stoves indoors or near windows.
- Keep generators at least 20 feet from doors and vents.
- Install a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector.
Heater Safety:
- Use fireplaces or space heaters only if properly vented and maintained.
- Keep heaters three feet away from flammable materials.
- Never substitute fuels or use open flames.

If Your Pipes Freeze:

Turn off the main water valve if a pipe bursts.
Thaw frozen pipes safely with a hair dryer, heating pad, or warm towels, never with open flames.
If unable to locate or thaw pipes, call a licensed plumber.

When It’s Safe to Go Outside:

Watch for icy sidewalks, steps, and driveways.
Take photographs of any property damage for insurance claims.
Keep all repair receipts and document costs for potential reimbursement.
Follow updates from the City of Kyle on Facebook about possible disaster declarations or recovery assistance.

Water Leak Adjustment Policy:

The City of Kyle offers a Water Leak Adjustment Policy for customers who experience leaks caused by freezing temperatures.

Please contact the Water Utilities Department to request a Water Leak Adjustment Request Form by phone at 512-262-3960 or email at All-Utilities@cityofkyle.com.

Recovery Resources

If you are in need of immediate emergency assistance, dial 9-1-1.
If you need an emergency shelter:

Locate options by ZIP code at the American Red Cross or Salvation Army.
Text SHELTER [your ZIP code] to 4FEMA (43362).
For Spanish, text REFUGIO [your ZIP code].
Download the FEMA Mobile App to find open shelters.
Visit findhelp.org for additional local resources.

This section will be updated during and after winter storm events with local information and resources as they become available.

Kyle Police Department (Non-Emergency): 512-268-3232
Kyle Fire Department (Non-Emergency): 512-268-3131
Kyle Public Works (Water Emergencies): 512-262-3024
- After hours or holidays: 512-787-9896
Pedernales Electric Cooperative: 888-883-3379 or pec.smarthub.coop
County Line SUD: 512-398-4748
Goforth SUD: 512-799-4873 or 512-376-5695
Texas Water Utilities: 866-654-7992 (press #1 for 24/7 dispatch)
CenterPoint Energy: 800-376-9663 or report gas leak at 888-876-5786
Texas Gas Service: 800-700-2443 or report gas leak at 800-959-5325

How Disaster Declarations & Assistance Are Issued

After a disaster, declarations can be issued at the local, state, and federal levels of government, with the type of assistance available depending on the level of government that declares the disaster. The City of Kyle handles disasters through our emergency management plan. However, if the severity of the disaster is beyond local government capability, we will issue a disaster declaration and appeal to the state for additional resources. Federal disaster assistance only becomes available after a presidential disaster is declared. The Texas Governor must request a disaster declaration from the President.