Understanding the '4 Ps' of winter weather preparedness

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- Winter weather can sometimes take Austin by storm. It's important to have a plan to keep you and your loved ones safe in freezing temperatures.

Meteorologist Tommy House sat down with David Wiechmann, who is the Acting Public Information and Marketing Manager of the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, to talk about the "four Ps" of winter weather preparedness.

Meteorologist Tommy House: As the winter months are approaching, what are some ways 'Austinites' can stay prepared?

David Wiechmann: When winter weather is approaching, it's important to remember the "Four Ps" — people, pets, pipes, and plants. When you know the weather is going to get cold, bundle up and dress in layers. You can wear these layers inside to stay warm while conserving energy by turning your thermostat down. If there's an ice storm and the power goes out, dressing in layers at home will also help keep you warm.

If you're cold, your pets are cold too, so bring them inside; they don't need to be outside when it's cold and can snuggle up with you on the couch to help keep you warm.

To protect your pipes, insulate any exposed outdoor pipes to prevent them from freezing. Inside, let one faucet drip slightly overnight to keep water flowing. Open the cabinets under your kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow warm air from your heater to circulate and help prevent pipes from freezing.

Finally, protect your plants by either bringing them inside or covering them. If you have any specialized plants, check with your arborist or local nursery to see if they need special treatment. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your people, pets, pipes, and plants stay safe during cold weather.

House: What are some resources that people can view to keep themselves prepared?

Wiechmann: We have some great resources available on our website, readycentraltexas.org. There, you'll find helpful tips for preparing for various weather hazards that impact the Austin area, including winter weather. These tips come from our department and others. Additionally, you can download a copy of our Neighborhood Preparedness Guide, which provides valuable information on what to do before, during, and after weather events.

You can also pick up a physical copy at our Emergency Preparedness Pop-Ups, held on the third Wednesday of every month. We just released our 2025 event calendar on the website, so be sure to check it out. Our first pop-up will be at a library on January 15.

In case of an emergency, we activate the city's alerts webpage at austintexas.gov/alerts, where you can get up-to-date information in 14 different languages. We encourage everyone to bookmark both readycentraltexas.org and the city's alerts webpage for easy access to important information.