The City of Brownwood Emergency Management Team is monitoring the weather closely and is prepared to assist those in need.
The City of Brownwood Emergency Management Team is monitoring the weather closely and is prepared to assist those in need.
Winter weather creates unpredictable and dangerous driving conditions. TxDOT strongly advises you to stay off the roads. Avoid travel, if you must drive, please use extreme caution. Information on road conditions in the state is available at DriveTexas™ or by phone at (800) 452-9292.
Water and sewer emergencies may be reported to 325-646-6000 as this line is answered 24/7.
During this extreme weather the Brown County Home Solutions Shelter at 1101 Avenue D will be open 24 hours a day.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU PREPARE:
PROTECT PEOPLE
o Keep warm, stay inside if possible.
o If you need to go out, dress in layers and wear hats, gloves and an appropriate coat.
o Avoid overexertion, as cold weather puts added strain on your body.
o Observe heater safety: never place a space heater on top of furniture or near water; keep heat sources at least three (3) feet away from furniture and drapes.
o Never leave children unattended near a space heater.
o Protect yourself from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning by installing a battery-operated CO detector and never using generators, grills, camp stoves, or similar devices indoors.
PROTECT PIPES
o Wrap exposed faucets and pipes, including those outside the house or in unheated crawl spaces, attics, garages and other areas. If you don't have the foam pipe coverings, a towel or rag and duct tape will do the trick.
o Let your indoor faucets drip.
o Open cabinets below sinks to allow the heat to circulate around the water pipes.
o Insulate your outdoor water meter box and be sure its lid is on tight.
o Cover any vents around your home's foundation.
o Drain and store water hoses indoors.
o Protect outdoor electrical pumps.
o Drain swimming pool circulation systems or keep the pump motor running. (Run the pump motor only in a short freeze. Running the motor for long periods could damage it.)
o Drain water sprinkler supply lines.
o Make sure you know where your home's shut-off valve is and how to turn it on and off.
o If you leave town, consider turning off your water at the shut-off valve while faucets are running to drain your pipes. Make sure you turn the faucets off before you turn the shut-off valve back on.
o If you drain your pipes, contact your electric or gas utility company for instructions on protecting your water heater.
IF YOUR PIPES FREEZE
o If a pipe bursts and floods your home, turn the water off at the shut-off valve (locate this before you have an emergency). Call a plumber for help if you can't find the broken pipe or if it's inaccessible. Don't turn the water back on until the pipe has been repaired.
o If the pipe hasn't burst, thaw it out with an electric heating pad, hair dryer, portable space heater, or towel soaked with hot water. Apply heat by slowly moving the heat source toward the coldest spot on the pipe. Never concentrate heat in one spot because cracking ice can shatter a pipe. Turn the faucet on and let it run until the pipe is thawed and water pressure returns to normal.
o Don't use a blowtorch or other open-flame device. They are fire risks and carbon monoxide exposure risks.
PROTECT YOUR CAR
o Take time to have your battery's charge and cold-cranking amps checked Check your batteries for corrosion.
o Never use wiper blades to clear ice or frost as this damages the blades. Use a scraper or can de-icer. Make sure all windows are clear for best visibility.
o NEVER warm up your car in a closed garage, carbon monoxide poisoning is possible.
