Like much of the state, the City of Austin and Travis County are currently under an excessive heat warning which will remain in effect until at least 9 p.m. today. Dangerously hot conditions are expected, and leaders gathered Wednesday to provide critical information on what both the City and Travis County are doing to keep residents safe. Operating under a joint Heat Emergency Plan during periods of excessive heat, the City and County work together to coordinate preparation and response. The City’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) and the Travis County Office of Emergency Management (TCOEM) lead the implementation of the plan. 

Austin-Travis County is currently in Stage 3 (Excessive Heat Phase) of the Heat Emergency Plan and actions are underway to ensure the health and safety of residents, especially those most vulnerable to excessive heat.  

“We have a collaborative process of preparing for this type of weather emergency and want to ensure that information is provided to the residents on a regular basis to assist them in staying safe,” City of Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said. “We will make sure information is regularly provided to the public that outlines how to stay safe, what is happening with the weather, and how the city is using its resources to help people who need assistance.” 

The City of Austin has multiple resources available to community members to help beat the heat. Throughout the summer, many of the City’s Parks and Recreation Department’s recreation centers, and Austin Public Library facilities will serve as cooling centers during normal operating hours for reprieve during the hottest hours of the day. Several locations offer extended hours during periods of excessive heat. Service animals are permitted in City facilities. To view the current list of cooling centers, locations and hours of operation, please visit  austintexas.gov/alerts.  

The City operates 43 pools and splash pads which are fully staffed and open as a cooling alternative. A complete list of pools and splash pads is available here. 

Austin-Travis County officials have activated outreach networks that include faith-based and non-profit organizations to help reach the most vulnerable populations.  Austin Public Health (APH) is in contact with area hospitals and nursing homes to offer support and Austin Energy is prepared to proactively contact customers on their medically vulnerable list should an energy emergency occur.  City and County staff and community advocates are coordinating across departments and sharing heat safety messages on social media, including available cooling center locations, how to recognize heat-related illnesses and how to take preventative actions in protecting children, older adults and pets during the hot weather. Visit the APH Heat Awareness website for information on how to stay safe during a heatwave and the hot summer months.   

Homelessness Services Division teams are conducting outreach to unhoused persons through direct text messaging and in-person outreach teams. Those outreach teams include City staff and social services organizations and a network of advocates that partner with the City. Those experiencing homelessness are encouraged to visit cooling centers. In addition to outreach teams providing rides, Cap Metro is offering free rides for anyone traveling to a cooling center. 

AE has crews on standby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond immediately to outages. Most small, routine outages are restored within a short period of time. Though not currently in emergency operations, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), has issued a voluntary conservation notice requesting all Texans to reduce electricity use from 4-8 p.m., if safe to do so, due to the high temperatures. 

Visit ReadyCentralTexas.org for heat safety tips and how to spot/treat heat-related illnesses and to sign up for alerts from Warn Central Texas.  Being prepared and knowing how to respond to heat-related illnesses can save lives.  

COOLING CENTERS 

• City of Austin facilities (including Rec Centers & Libraries) are available as cooling centers during normal business operations – many facilities are open until 8 pm. 
• These cooling centers serve as a reprieve from the heat, allowing people and their service animals to cool off during the hottest times of the day. 

• Visit austintexas.gov/alerts  for the most up-to-date cooling center information in 13 languages.  

 HEAT SAFETY TIPS 

• Stay hydrated. Remember to drink water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty. 
• Protect yourself: 
• Wear loose-fitting clothing, 
• Apply and re-apply sunscreen according to product labels, 
• Take shade breaks, especially if you work outside. 
• Practice water safety while cooling off in pools and open water.  
• Look Before You Lock: 
• Heat stroke is the leading cause of non-collision vehicle-related deaths in children. 
• Always check the back seats of your vehicle for children, pets, and adults before leaving and locking your parked vehicle.  
• Keep your pets safe too  
• Keep your four-legged family members inside whenever possible. 
• Pack a collapsible water bowl for hydration breaks.