Wildfire may be the most serious but is not the only community-wide risk to the Barton Hills neighborhood.  Another risk, also increased by climate change, is electrical power outage.  As anyone who was in Texas during winter storm Uri in February 2021 remembers, a wide-spread outage can leave us shivering (or sweating) in our dark houses without heat, air conditioning, electronics, or water for days or weeks.  

An outage can happen in winter or summer, caused by a weather event, equipment failure, or system overload.  As the demand for electricity increases and the weather becomes more extreme, the risk goes up.  We can each take steps to prepare for a power outage whenever one occurs.

Austin Energy recommends the following preparations so we will be ready when the lights go out:

1. Sign up to receive outage alerts and ensure that Austin Energy can contact you in case of an emergency.  Register for text or e-mail alerts by texting REG to 287846 and entering your zip code.  Make sure that the phone numbers and e-mail address associated with your account are current.  Call 512-494-9400 to update your account information.
2. Know how to report an outage and view the outage map. To report an outage, text OUT to 287846,  To view the outage map if you have access to the internet, go to outagemap.austinenergy.com
3. See if anyone in your household qualifies for the Medically Vulnerable Registry.  If the person has a medical condition that could become life threatening during power outage, the Medically Vulnerable Registry could help.  Although it will not guarantee uninterrupted power or priority restoration in an emergency, the Registry can assign a designated team member to work with you on a personalized backup plan. You can apply online or call 512-494-9400.
4. Fill clean containers with water while you still have water service.  You may need it later for washing, flushing, and drinking.  Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed.  If you lose water service during a hard freeze, turn off the water at the valve next to your water meter, so that you do not have leaks caused by the surge in pressure when service is restored.
5. Prior to an approaching storm that has a high risk of power outage, fill up your vehicle with fuel.  In addition to carrying you to safety if you need to evacuate, your car can be your “survival pod,” offering heat and air conditioning, as well as power outlets for recharging your electronic devices.  Remember not to run your car’s engine in a closed garage to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
6. Make an emergency kit including the following items:
   Essential documents: copies (not originals) of personal documents such as driver’s license and passport, your Austin Energy account number, homeowner’s insurance, and family and neighbor contact information; Prescription medicine, flashlights, extra batteries, backup chargers for electronic devices, first aid kit, emergency blankets, portable battery-operated radio, bottled water, canned or dried food, hand-operated can opener, personal hygiene items; and a little cash. Store the kit in a safe, dry place, and make sure that everyone in your household knows where it is.
7. Take care of your pets.  Add pet food to your emergency kit.  If you have to evacuate, take your pets with you.
   
8. Make an evacuation plan.  If the power is out for several days, you may need to spend some time away from home.  Consider who you would call and where you could go.  The City of Austin would certainly open one or more emergency shelters if the outage is wide-spread or long-lasting,  Determine where the nearest one is and how to get there.
9. Regularly back up your computers to a separate device.  Unplug your computer during a storm to avoid damaging it.  Consider getting external poser sources for your electronic devices.  You can purchase auxiliary power supplies that use replaceable or rechargeable batteries or solar energy.  You can also purchase whole-house backup generators and battery power supplies, although they are expensive.
10. Take precautions against accidents. While portable generators can help during an outage, operating them indoors is dangerous.  Stay away from downed power lines.  Cat litter or rock salt can prevent slippery sidewalks and decks.  Contact Austin Energy by calling 512-494-9400 before trying to trim trees away from power lines.
11. Plan how to pass the time.  A power outage may last quiet a while, and you may be housebound.  A battery-operated radio can keep you entertained and up-to-date on the news.  Board and card games, books, and puzzles can also help you pass the time.

Craig Smith
ccraigsmith@icloud.com
BHNA Emergency Preparedness Committee
September, 2025

By Susan Donaldson

With recent rains preceded by a mild winter, this summer has been an active mosquito season. Of particular concern are mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus (WNV).

Mosquitoes are present in Central Texas year round, but the population is largest and most active from April through September. During the season, adult mosquito populations are monitored and tested for mosquito-borne viruses by the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department. Check the Austin/Travis County Arbovirus Surveillance Maps for the latest information on West Nile Virus-confirmed mosquito activity.

Travis County has seen a total of 108 mosquito pools testing positive for WNV in 28 zip codes as of Sept. 4, 2012 — the highest number of positive pools detected since surveillance activities began in 2003.

In Travis County, there have been a total of 68 human WNV cases and three deaths reported from Jan. 1 to Sept. 12, 2012. In Texas, there were 1,182 human WNV cases and 53 deaths were reported from Jan. 1 to Sept. 12, 2012.

Preventing mosquitoes from biting you is the best defense. To help prevent bites, follow the four Ds:

• Dusk and dawn: Try to stay indoors at dusk and dawn. That is the time when mosquitoes likely to carry the infection are most active.

• Dress: Wear pants and long sleeves when you are outside.

• DEET: Apply insect repellent that contains DEET. Read and follow label instructions. Spray both exposed skin and clothing with repellent.

• Drain: Get rid of standing water in your yard and neighborhood. Old tires, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, birdbaths and wading pools can be breeding sites for mosquitoes.

Check out this comprehensive article on less toxic or green mosquito control, including product toxicity comparisons, for additional options.

To report a mosquito problem, call (512) 978-0370 or click here to send an email to the City of Austin.

More information visit www.austintexas.gov/westnile.

KXAN’s Reagan Hackleman reported live from Zilker Park again last night during the evening news with a story about preparations by Austin Fire Deparment for the crowds expected for the Austin City Limits Festival that runs today through Sunday.

Our own Neighborhood Watch chairman John Luther was interviewed and included in the story, describing actions residents of Barton Hills are taking to heighten awareness of the fire danger. Luther said “The fire danger is extreme The greenbelt is rugged. It would difficult to get fire equipment in there, if not impossible.”

City officials held a press conference Thursday morning at Zilker Park where Austin Police Lt. Todd Smith stated “This is about the most dangerous place in Austin where a fire could start and it could really cause a lot of damage.” Fire Department Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr said ,”Yes we are concerned. Yes we are prepared. We’re staffing up additional brush trucks.”

The Barton Hills Neighborhood Association issued a press release Sept. 15 describing the campaign to inform visitors attending the Austin City Limits Music Festival about the extreme fire danger in our community. In addition to placing signs at strategic entry points to the greenbelt and throughout the neighborhood, residents will be on high alert for any evidence of fire and have been instructed to call 911 in the event smoke is seen or smelled.

BHNA Vice President Melissa Hawthorne stated “We are very pleased with the cooperation demonstrated by the ACL Festival producers, C3 Presents, Austin Parks and Recreation, Austin’s first responders and local media to elevate this issue and help enforce the burn ban in the park. We want to insure people understand the extremely dry conditions and the affect a fire would have to our community.”

You can read the entire press release here.

Neighbors, the Austin City Limits Music Festival is September 16th through the 18th.  More information on the festival itself can be found at aclfestival.com

Roads leading into the park area will close at midnight on Thursday, September 15, 2011 and reopen midnight on Sunday, September 18. Road closures will be as follows:

• Barton Springs Road at Robert E. Lee (Barton Springs Pool Parking accessible at Robert E. Lee Entrance)
• MoPac Frontage at Columbus Drive (No travel allowed into Zilker Park or Barton Springs Pool from this road)
• Stratford Drive at Nature Center Drive

We really need your help this year.  Please keep an eye out so we can have a safe, but happy time.

For issues related to cars blocking driveways, fire hydrants, too close to intersections:  Phone the ACL Command Center 646-2244.  It is manned by City Personnel with direct access to the Dedicated Neighborhood ROVING Patrol of 6 officers and 1 sergeant, roving 10 am until approximately 11 pm daily. This dedicated unit will be roving and responding to issues/concerns throughout the impacted neighborhoods.

If you have an emergency please call 911.

Thanks As Always,

Melissa

Melissa Hawthorne
Vice President, Barton Hills Neighborhood Association

Austin NBC television affiliate KXAN featured a story about the no smoking policy in effect at Zilker Park during the upcoming ACL Music Festival during their evening newscasts Tuesday night. You can read and watch the story on their web site. Reporter Reagan Hackleman mentioned the fire danger signs created by the Barton Hills Neighborhood Association and held one up during his live shot from Zilker Park.

As a result of the story BHNA has been contacted with requests for additional signs and offers from helpful residents like Neighborhood Watch patroller Glenn Hopkins to place them at strategic locations to remind visitors of the fire ban. Big thanks are in order to all involved who have assisted with this vital effort: Nina Miller who designed the sign, Miriam Joffe and Kay Killen who facilitated their order and distribution, BHNA Vice-President Melissa Hawthorne who managed the project, and all of the volunteers who helped with installing the signs for maximum exposure.

As a result of actions through the BHNA listserve, Disaster Preparedness Committee and Executive Committee, I am please to announce there will be FIRE DANGER alert signs for the neighborhood and greenbelt printed by this Tuesday.

Attached is the sign designed by our own Nina Miller, facilitated by Miriam Joffe and inspired by your suggestions.  We hope you approve!  Thanks to everyone who contributed ideas and help, and continue to make this project a priority!

We are printing 50 plastic foam-core signs w/wire hangers for distribution on Tuesday.  We will first post signage at critical points around the greenbelt and in Barton Hills–using minimally 30 signs.   The remainder will be available to neighbors.

We need your help.

WHAT IS NEEDED:
1)  Sign Locations:  Send Kay Killen specific addresses/locations/greenbelt accesses you feel strongly need a sign.  Reply with “LOCATION” in the subject line.  Keep it brief–only an address, intersection or location, where people have access.  I’ve already started a spreadsheet and will share later.

2)  Sign Availability:  After all signs have been assigned to specific spots, the remainder will be available to residents, and a location provided on the listserve where to pick them up.  If there’s a huge outpouring of interest/need, we may need to print more than 50 signs, especially if we receive some donations!

3)  Distribution:  We MAY need additional adults to facilitate distribution on Tuesday.  There is a generous offer of local teenagers to plant signs for some of their public service outreach – thank you — However, anyone interested, please EMAIL Kay if you can help on Tuesday.

3)  Donations Welcome!  If you would like to contribute to the BHNA 2011 Fire Danger Sign Project, please write your checks to:  BH Neighborhood Assn, “Fire Danger Sign Project”, give me a call, and I will personally come pick up your check, OR let us know you’re sending a check to: P.O. Box 2042, Austin, 78768-2042.

4)  Web site Update:   Nina has formatted the sign for easy printing if you’d like to distribute to neighbors, walkers, visitors, local markets, eateries, etc.  FYI-the BHNA website is a wealth of FIRE PROTECTION information and showcases the updated FireWise bulletin for preparedness.  Check it out!

Click below to download a PDF version of the sign to print. 

• 24″ wide x 18″ high
• 11.5″ wide x 8″ high 

5)  Remember:  the most critical element in all this is your individual Oversight and Vigilance, especially with all the new people in town for Austin City Limits Festival.  Let’s all be friendly and courteous, yet firm in our convictions to protect our greenbelt and homes.  REPORT any fire dangers to 911, and take notes on the situation to identify who did what and where.  ALWAYS be prepared to provide a CROSS STREET for reference when you place your call.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
AGAIN – THANK YOU BARTON HILLS!!!!
Kay Killen
bhnaparade2007@yahoo.com

Preparing for the devastation of wildfire can protect your family, property and livelihood. If the time comes for you to leave your headquarters or homestead behind, you will want to know that you have done everything possible ahead of time to prevent costly losses.

Successfully preparing for a wildfire requires you to take personal responsibility for protecting yourself, your family and your property. Published by the Texas Forest Service, the Ready, Set, Go! Wildfire Action Plan is designed to give you the tips and tools you need to prepare and be successful.