Winter Weather Preparedness

Personal Preparedness

In the case that winter weather affects the University of Texas at Austin or our larger community it pays to be prepared. Please see some winter weather preparedness tips below to ensure that you can stay safe during a winter weather event.

• Have emergency supplies on hand at home, at work, and in the car. 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.
   

Driving in Winter Weather

• Avoid driving if absolutely necessary during a winter weather event. If you must drive, turn your headlights on, leave extra space between the cars in front of you, reduce your speed, and inspect your tires for proper air pressure as well as tread to handle the road conditions.
   
• Consider taking a winter driving course. "Working and Driving in Snow, Ice, and Extreme Cold" is a 30 minute class that covers topics like: Winter Weather Preparation, Working in Winter Weather, and Driving in Winter Weather. Click the link above to access the training!
   
• If you must drive:
  • plan ahead, visit DriveTexas.org to see real time road conditions and ice accumulations before you head out!
  • buckle up, 
  • stay alert,
  • avoid distractions,
  • secure your home,
  • bring an emergency kit,
  • share your plans with others
     

Hotel Room Survey

The Office of Emergency Management and Travel Management Services developed the survey below for mission critical departments. Travel Management has arrangements with surrounding hotels, allowing us to have priority with booking in most cases. Please complete this survey so that we better understand the total number of rooms requested by each department. This is an action item we’re addressing from our Winter Preparedness Summit. Please reach out to Derek Trabon or Kim Stringer with any questions. 

Hotel Room Survey - Essential Staff
 

Closures

To find out more information about current campus closures, you may do one of the following:

• Visit the university’s Emergency Website
• Call 512-232-9999

View the decision-making process for closure due to weather events.