We hope you are staying well and warm right now. We know that circumstances are awful for so many. Below we’re simply sharing some resources that might be helpful. For more detailed information, please refer to the Travis County Cold Weather Resource Guide from the Office of Travis County Judge, Andy Brown.
Boil Water Notice: Austin Water has issued a city-wide Boil Water Notice which means that Austin residents should boil water prior to washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking, etc. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil for two minutes. Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria. To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
Local Businesses Offering Free Water: Bring your own containers, and we advise checking their social media accounts for any updates before you go.
- Mozarts Coffee Roasters – 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. with a 5-gallon limit per customer
- St. Elmo Brewing – 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Adelbert’s Brewery – 12 p.m.- 6 p.m.
- Batch Brewhouse -10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (park on the brewhouse side, curbside pick-up)
- The Brewtorium – Fresh water, warmth, and a place to charge electronics from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m..
- Natural Grocers – Free water available through Tuesday, Feb. 23.
- Hopsquad Brewing – 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Friends & Allies Brewing – 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Party Barn ATX – free use of their hose
- Hi-Sign Brewing – Free boiled, potable water, heated taproom and charging capability from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Austin Beerworks – Free water from 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- The ABGB – Free water, open until 8 p.m.
- Black Star Co-Op – Clean drinking available until they run out
Emergency Food Distribution (2/20): Central Texas Food Bank is holding a mass food distribution at Del Valle High School (5201 Ross Rd, Del Valle, TX 78617) from 12 p.m.-3 p.m. While the distribution will primarily be drive-thru, no one will be turned away. Individuals arriving in vehicles, please make sure to make room in your trunk before arriving. We recommend recipients without vehicles bring containers in which they can carry the food, as it will be in boxes that may be difficult to carry. More info.
Donation Drive & Distribution for Families (2/20): An emergency supply distribution site will be set up at Sims Elementary School, 1203 Springdale Road. The community can drop-off donations starting at 10 a.m. The site will be open to the public for pick up starting at 3 p.m. Organizers are asking for emergency supplies including:
- Baby food and formula
- Blankets
- Meals
- Groceries
- Clean water
- Diapers
- PPE
- Toiletries and medications
- Socks
Warming Centers: Families with children in need of a warming center can get the latest information by calling 512-305-4233 or through the Austin Disaster Relief Network.
Helpful Info & How-To Guides:
- Preventing Child Injury During Extreme Winter Weather
- Flushing a Toilet Without Running Water
- What to Expect When Your Pipes Start to Thaw
- How to Shut Off Your Water at the Meter
- How to Wash Dishes with Very Little Water
Road Safety: Information on road conditions is available at DriveTexas or by phone at (800) 452-9292.
More Community Resources: If you are in need of food and cannot leave your home, call the city’s emergency food line at 211. The city’s 311 line is also back up and running.
- Austin Mutual Aid
- ATX Free Fridge Project
- Caritas of Austin
- Free Lunch
- Foundation for the Homeless
- Casa Marianella
- Front Steps Austin
- Too Found
- I Live Here, I Give Here
- Kick the Cold – Go Fund Me
- Winter Storm Relief – Go Fund Me
- Austin Pets Alive – Needs & Offerings
We hope you’re all staying safe out there, friends!
