Kerr County residents should prepare for ‘La Nina’ winter

Despite weather forecasts predicting for warmer, drier weather this winter in the Texas Hill Country, residents are urged to begin making their winter preparations now – just in case. “Just like this year, last year was a La Nina year, too, meaning a warmer and drier winter season than usual. We all remember how that turned out,” said Kerr County Emergency Management Coordinator Dub Thomas.

Thomas adds that the time is right now to prepare for future severe winter weather, including wrapping pipes as temperatures drop. Thomas said, “Now is the time to get ready in the event we do experience another winter storm. While we probably won’t get as severe as the rare ice/snow storm we had in February, it’s better to be prepared than get caught trying to wrap pipes.”

The National Weather Service has issued a checklist and offered tips on what to do to help prepare for winter weather:

NWS officials say that the primary concern at home and workplaces during winter storms is loss of heat, power and telephone services. It is recommended that people try keeping flashlights, extra batteries, first-aid supplies and extra food, pet food and water on hand. Other tips include having emergency heat sources on hand, working smoke alarms and a working carbon monoxide detector.

It is always recommended that people refrain from driving during a winter storm, if possible. If planning to travel by car in the winter, make sure your vehicle is winterized and prepared with a winter travel kit. Always have a phone charger, battery booster cables and blankets on hand.

Pet owners and ranchers need to have extra food and water on hand, bring pets inside before a winter storm and move animals to sheltered areas if they are livestock.

For more tips on how to prepare for winter, visit the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov/safety/winter-before.