Due to the icy weather that has developed across Central Texas, local officials are urging everyone to stay at home and off the roads.

Be sure to have on hand a three-day supply of essential items, such as food, medicines, and needed supplies. If you have elderly or disabled family members or neighbors, check on them to assure they have essential supplies.

In preparation for potential icy conditions, the following precautions and safety tips are urged by City of Austin agencies:

Austin Police Department

If you do have to travel, drive slowly and cautiously. Maintain distances between your car and the car in front of you.

If you are involved in a collision, move vehicle off the road into a safe parking area.

If vehicles are not moveable, stay inside your car with seatbelts fastened until responders arrive.

Make sure you have a winter weather car kit available. Keep extra coats, blankets and water in the car.

Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services

Remember to care for pets, plants and people.

Falls are preventable by staying indoors. If you must go out cover your head, wear mittens not gloves.

Should there be a freeze, standing water can create pockets of ice.

Leave newspapers and mail in place until ice thaws.

Refrain from alcohol.

Austin Fire Department

If you are using a gas heater, make sure there is adequate ventilation in your house.

Be aware that any alternative heating source has the potential to create high levels of carbon monoxide in your home.

Do not use stoves as an alternate heating device.

If you have a burning candles or fireplace going, do not go to sleep without extinguishing the fire.

Make sure that you have a working battery operated smoke detector.

Austin Energy

If icy conditions occur impacting power lines, call Austin Energy to report an outage.

In the event of a power outage and your home utilizes electric heat, turn heat off until the power is restored.

Austin Water Utility

Wrap outside pipes.

Let outside faucets drip slowly.

Turn off irrigation systems so sidewalks and streets are not accidentally iced.

The City's Office of Emergency Management, partnering with Travis County Emergency Management, continues to track weather conditions in Austin, Travis County and across the area. OEM is coordinating preparation and response among the various public safety, public works, and City departments.

For up-to-date information regarding road closures and emergency conditions, visit the City of Austin Web page.