Austin County Office of Emergency Management

03/23/2026

Austin County Office of Emergency Management Notice

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) will conduct a statewide public warning system drill on April 2, 2026.

This exercise helps ensure that emergency alerting tools work accurately and reliably when Texans need them most.

Local alerting authorities, school districts, higher education institutions, law enforcement, councils of government, river authorities, tribal nations, and other partners across Texas have been invited to participate.

After the drill, participating organizations will share key takeaways with TDEM to support statewide preparedness.

Austin County OEM appreciates the cooperation of all partners as we work together to keep our community safe.

This is only a test. No public action is required.

Send a message to learn more

01/24/2026

Extreme cold weather in 2026 requires comprehensive preparation across several areas to prevent life-threatening conditions like hypothermia and frostbite. Key precautions are categorized below:

Personal Protection & Dress
Layering: Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one heavy layer.

Inner Layer: Use synthetic or wool fabrics that wick moisture; avoid cotton, which traps wetness and saps heat.

Outer Layer: Choose a tightly woven, wind-resistant, and water-repellent coat.

Extremities: Wear a hat to prevent significant heat loss (up to 40%) from the head. Use mittens instead of gloves for better warmth.

Lung Protection: Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from direct exposure to frigid air.

Heating Hazards:
Never use a gas oven or stove to heat your home due to carbon monoxide risks.

Space Heaters: Keep them at least 3 feet away from flammable materials like curtains or bedding. Always plug them directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord.

Generators: Only operate generators outdoors, at least 20 feet away from windows and doors to prevent deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

Travel & Vehicles

Minimize Travel: Stay off roads if possible; if you must travel, keep a full gas tank to prevent fuel line freeze-ups.

Winter Survival Kit: Carry a kit in your car containing blankets, jumper cables, a flashlight with extra batteries, a shovel, sand/cat litter for traction, and non-perishable food.

If Stranded: Stay inside your vehicle. Run the engine for only 10 minutes per hour for heat, ensuring the exhaust pipe is clear.

Health Awareness:

Frostbite: Look for numbness or white/pale skin on fingers, toes, earlobes, and the nose. If detected, warm the area gently with warm (not hot) water; do not rub the skin.

Hypothermia: Symptoms include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, slurred speech, and exhaustion. If a person's temperature drops below 95°F, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Vulnerable Groups: Check regularly on elderly neighbors, children, and pets who are at higher risk.

Animal & Pet Care
Bring Pets Indoors: If they cannot come inside, ensure they have a dry, draft-free shelter with adequate non-frozen water and extra food.

Car Safety: Bang on your car hood before starting the engine to alert any outdoor cats that may have crawled inside for warmth.

Send a message to learn more

01/21/2026

🌡️ Cold Weather Moving Into Austin County This Weekend

Here’s what to expect:

• Light sleet Saturday night into early Sunday (up to 0.10")

• Very low chance of light snow Saturday morning (around 0.01")

• Rain continues Friday morning through Sunday, with about 1 inch expected

• Freezing temperatures begin Saturday night and last through Monday at 1 p.m., then fall again Monday evening

• The freeze event is expected to end Wednesday at noon

Prepare now: People | Pets | Plants | Pipes

This forecast highlights conditions for Austin County. Stay weather‑aware and use caution on the roads if temperatures drop below freezing.

01/06/2026

January 6, 2026

Good afternoon, everyone.

We understand that the current Burn Ban has been in place for an extended period, and we appreciate your patience. Please keep in mind that our county covers a large area, with varying conditions. While the southern portion is somewhat wetter than the northern, we have not received sufficient moisture to lift the ban.

Our County Judge and Commissioners are aware of your concerns. However, strong winds from either the north or south can make it extremely challenging for fire departments to contain fires, increasing the risk of rapid spread.

For these reasons, the Burn Ban remains in effect. We will let you know as soon as conditions allow for a change. Until then, we would like to ask for your continued cooperation and understanding.

Thank you for your patience and commitment to safety.

Send a message to learn more

10/13/2025

A Burn Ban is now in effect in Austin County as of noon, October 13, 2025. Please spread the word, stay safe, and hydrate.

07/09/2025

Our thoughts and prayers are with those in Central Texas. Although everyone wants to help, keep in mind that the area is congested with emergency response personnel and hundreds of others helping. If you would like to volunteer, call 830-465-4797 so that better efforts can be made and coordinated.

Monetary donations can be made at: https://cftexashillcountry.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=4201

Non-perishable foods and cleaning items:
https://www.facebook.com/KerrvilleKroc

American Red Cross Serving South and Central Texas shelters:
https://www.redcross.org/donate/to/donation-to3.html/?alloy_redirect=eyJ2IjoxLCJhZCI6IjYxNDY0NToxOjB8MCw2MTQ2NDU6MTowfDIsNjE0NjQ1OjE6MHwxIn0%3D

You can also call the Red Cross at 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669)

Again, be mindful and definitely pray, keeping all the community, first responders, and volunteers in your heart and mind; this will be a long event.

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03/03/2025

With Spring, we want to point out a couple of safety updates for Austin County; please be mindful of dry vegetation from winter, which is still a concern. Although the ground surface may be moist, the top vegetation is dry. This means our full alertness is critical with the high winds of March, which come quickly. If a high wind emerges and you are burning a pile, the wind pushes embers away, starts a vegetation fire, and travels quickly. The problem occurs when the Fire Department units arrive, and the ground surface cannot support the vehicle, which is now increasing the extinguishment problems for the department.

Winter Vegetation Conditions:

Continue Water Conservation: Even after some rain, water levels might still be low.

Avoid Outdoor Burning: Dry vegetation conditions can still pose a fire risk.

Refrain from activities like bonfires or using open flames during high wind events.

Conditions can change quickly, and it's essential to be prepared.

Report Fires Immediately: If you see any signs of fire, immediately report it to emergency services.

Dry Vegetation Conditions and High Winds:

Dry Vegetation has high winds and instability, exacerbating fire risks, especially in drought-stricken areas.

The sudden change in weather can create extreme fire behavior.

Please watch local updates: Stay updated with weather forecasts and wind reports.

02/15/2025

Good morning. Cold weather is moving into Austin County next week, and it will mostly be dry, with a small amount of rain on Tuesday and no rain, ice, or snow predicted during the freeze event, according to the current forecast. The coldest days start Wednesday evening, 2/19/25, and last until Saturday morning. Temperatures will drop during the night and reach just about freezing during the day throughout most of the county during the later part of next week. The more extended below-freezing period is from Wednesday evening to Thursday at noon.

If you work outside, please drink plenty of water, dress warmly, and take frequent breaks in a warm environment.

Prepare now and stay alert!

01/25/2025

Law Enforcement Notification:
Update: 1-25-25, 9 am

Recently obtained video information on escape prisoner Salvador Saucedo shows that his last known location was the 800 block of North Granville in Bellville at approximately 7:30 pm on the night of his escape, Thursday, 1-23-25.

Saucedo was traveling northbound on North Granville, toward Centerhill Road and away from the Clark Park area. His location is still unknown at this time. No recent “confirmed” sightings have been reported to our agency, nor any other camera footage reported other than the night of his escape. There have been “possible” sightings in different areas of the county and outside counties, but none have been confirmed. So, it has been approximately 38 hours (time of posting) since his last confirmed sighting.

We can not confirm with 100 percent certainty whether he is within our city limits or even our county, so we will continue to search. However, as the hours and days pass, and there have been no new confirmed sightings since shortly after he escaped, it is less likely that he is still within the city limits of Bellville.

If you do see him, please dial 911. Also, please secure your homes, vehicles, and outdoor buildings, especially at night. This is just good practice in general.

We will continue to update the public, but updates will be less frequent since there have been no new sightings or information about his whereabouts. The public will be the first to know if he is seen again or captured. We will continue to look for him.

Our local parks, especially Clark Park, have been checked repeatedly and will continue to be checked, including the bathrooms.

This matter remains an active Waller County Sheriff’s Office investigation. Bellville PD, Austin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety will continue our efforts in assisting to locate.

01/21/2025

Good day to all. We appreciate your help and ask that you stay off the roadways as much as possible. Most roadways have ice and will continue throughout the day into the night. Please always be aware of spots of melted snow and ice on roadways and bridges that are still frozen over. If you decide to travel tomorrow, please be sure to do so with extreme caution. Currently, the electrical companies are reporting Blue Bonnet-0, Center Point-1, and San Bernard-0 in Austin County, and Ercot reporting power consumption is not a concern at this time; keep conserving energy. We are well below the system demand.

If you go outside in the snow, here are a few recommendations:

Layers:
* Base layer: Long underwear that keeps your skin dry
* Middle layer: A fleece or puffy jacket that traps body heat

Outer layer:
* Coat: A coat that protects you from the elements
* Gloves: Multiple layers of gloves to keep your hands warm and dry
* Socks: Insulating socks, like a thin polypropylene sock with a wool sock over the top

Footwear:
* Boots: Insulated and waterproof boots that protect your feet from the snow and cold
* Gaiters: Gaiters can help keep moisture out of your boots

Headwear:
* Hat or beanie: A knit cap or winter hat to keep your head warm

Fabrics :
* Choose fabrics that trap heat, wick moisture, and block out the cold

Lastly, remember to stay hydrated, exercise caution, be alert around your home for ice areas, and stay outside for short periods to keep warm.

Thanks all, and stay safe

01/19/2025

Last-minute preparations should be completed today, snow Tuesday morning and a small amount of ice throughout the county. If possible, the National Weather Service recommends no travel on Monday evening throughout Tuesday. The extended below-freezing period is from Tuesday evening to Wednesday, with a hard freeze. Ice and snow melting could affect roadways each morning throughout the rest of the week until Friday, so use caution while driving during the early morning hours.

Monitor ongoing weather changes with your favorite news stations, sites, and/or apps.

01/18/2025

As the forecast predicts an upcoming cold weather event, we want to ensure you are well-prepared to stay safe and warm. There is still time for last-minute details. The weather service prediction is snow and possible ice on roadways Monday afternoon – Tuesday. Please take note of the following tips and guidelines to help you through this period of extreme weather:

1. Home Preparation:
Insulate your home by sealing windows and doors. / Keep extra blankets and warm clothing accessible. / Please make sure that your heating system is in good working order. / Have a supply of safe, alternative heating methods, such as space heaters, but use them cautiously to avoid fire hazards.

2. Emergency Kit:
Stock up on essential supplies, including non-perishable food, water, and medications. / Have a flashlight, batteries, and a first-aid kit readily available. / Prepare a supply of pet food and any necessary items for your pets.

3. Stay Informed:
Monitor weather forecasts and alerts from reliable sources. / Keep your mobile phone charged and have a backup power source.

4. Travel Safety:
Avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather. / If you must travel, please ensure your vehicle is winter-ready with the right tires, antifreeze, and an emergency kit. Be very alert to ice on roadways, especially overpasses and bridges.

5. Check on Neighbors:
Please be on the lookout for vulnerable neighbors, such as older adults or those with medical conditions. / Please offer assistance if needed and make sure they have adequate heating and supplies.

6. Health Precautions:
Dress in layers and cover exposed skin to prevent frostbite. / Limit time spent outdoors to avoid hypothermia. / Be mindful of carbon monoxide poisoning; never use generators or grills indoors.

Stay alert and prepare now.