Round Rock officials preparing for freezing temperatures

Round Rock officials said they are preparing for freezing temperatures next week by covering city-owned pipes, testing and placing generators in facilities to ensure power in the case of an outage, and readying equipment needed to pretreat bridges and elevated structures.

Central Texas is set to see its lowest temperatures next with, with "feel-like” temperatures expected to reach below zero because of strong winds. this year.

Officials said they will keep updating residents via the city's social media pages. Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts through Warn Central Texas at warncentraltexas.org.

Residents are encouraged to plan for an emergency by having a first aid-kit, a battery-operated radio, needed medications, a flashlight, a manual can opener and solar chargers.

Atmos Energy, a gas company, recommends customers not use an oven or gas stovetop to heat their home, and to remove any snow and ice from their natural gas meters with a broom or brush. Customers are also advised to ensure external vents and other natural gas appliances are clear.

Oncor officials said the utility company has done year-round preparations to deal with cold weather, including trimming trees and vegetation away from power lines and equipment.

Kerri Dunn, an Oncor spokesperson, said high winds, precipitation and poor road conditions could lead to some power outages.

"We are closely monitoring weather forecasts and will be pre-positioning team members and resources to respond as quickly and safely as possible," Dunn said. "We also remain in contact with local officials and emergency management staff across our service territory during severe weather events and will continue to share updates as the arctic cold front moves through our area."

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Round Rock officials preparing for freezing temperatures