Winter Storm Safety | City of Kyle

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Winter Storm Safety

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 Weather Conditions

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning from 6 p.m. Jan. 24 until 12 p.m. Jan. 26 and a Ice Storm Warning from 12:26 p.m. Jan. 24 until 12 p.m. Jan. 25 for Hays County. 

Currently, no closures are in effect.

  • The Master Naturalist Led Bird Walk scheduled for January 24 at 8 a.m. has been canceled until further notice.
  • The All Youth Basketball games scheduled for January 24 at Chapa Middle School have been canceled until further notice.

  • All City of Kyle park restrooms and water fountains will be temporarily closed Wednesday, January 21, through Wednesday, January 28 (weather permitting).
  • The Kyle Public Library will close early on Saturday, January 24 at 2 p.m. to ensure the safety of our patrons and staff.

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Winter Storm Safety Steps

Keep Yourself and Loved Ones Safe by Planning Ahead:

  • Make an emergency 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: water, non-perishable foods, medications, pet care items, and cleaning supplies.
  • 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 in unheated and drafty areas, such as an attic or garage.
  • Turn off outside faucets, remove all connected hoses and wrap faucets with towels or a Styrofoam insulator.
  • Turn off and drain automatic sprinkler systems. 
  • Know where your water shut-off valve is and how to use it.
  • Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly.
  • Bring pets and plants indoors or provide adequate protection.
  • Keep deicer, sand, or cat litter to prevent icy steps and sidewalks.
  • Prepare before leaving town. If you plan to be away during a time when freezing temperatures are possible, turn off your water at the meter. 

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.

  • Check and report outages at PEC: PEC Outage Map and the Outage Center
  • 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.

Residents can submit a request for a Water Leak Adjustment by using the 3-1-1 website or mobile app and selecting the Water Leak Adjustment service request. An invoice or receipt showing the leak was repaired is required.

 

Community Resources

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

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

Visit findhelp.org for additional local resources.

AMVETS Post 115

Hays County has designated AMVETS Post 115 (401 Veterans Drive, Kyle, TX) as a Hays County warming center. AMVETS Post 115 will be open to the public starting at 4 p.m. Saturday, January 24 through 11 a.m. Monday, January 26. Non-aggressive pets allowed on leash.

Southside Community Center

Hays County has activated the Southside Community Center (518 S. Guadalupe St., San Marcos, TX) as a Winter Emergency Shelter starting at 7 p.m. Friday, January 23, 2026 and closing at 9 a.m. Monday, January 26. 

It offers 40 cots on a first-come, first-served basis. Non-aggressive pets allowed on leash.

Transportation to Warming Centers and Shelters

If you need transportation, Home Center can provide transport throughout Hays County to Warming Centers or Hotels for those who are eligible. To learn more or get assistance with a ride call (512) 270-8433.

  • Kyle Police Department (Non-Emergency): 512-268-3232

  • Kyle Fire Department (Non-Emergency): 512-268-3131

  • Kyle Water Utilities:

    • Regular Office Hours: 512-262-3024

    • After Hours or Holidays: 512-787-9896

  • Pedernales Electric Cooperative: 888-883-3379

  • 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.


Kyle Public Safety Center
1700 Kohlers Crossing, Kyle, TX 78640
Emergency Line: 9-1-1
Non-Emergency Line: 512-268-3232

Emergency Management Coordinator
Jimmy Johnson
Direct Line: 512-887-9668
jjohnson@cityofkyle.com

 

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