Frequently Asked Questions

  • What should I do if there is an emergency and I am left with ruptured pipes and/or other damage?

    • Click here to check out our disaster tools webpage.

  • How do I make and submit a written repair request?

    • Click here to learn more about written repair requests.

  • How do I make a Code complaint?

    • Click here to learn how to report health and safety issues to the City of Austin Code Department.

Important Phone Numbers

  • For emergencies: 911

  • Austin Water 24-hour Emergency Hotline: 512-972-1000, Option 1

  • Power outages (Austin energy): 512-322-9100

  • Utility call center (electric/water): 512-494-9400

  • TTY for the hearing impaired: 512-972-9848

  • Non-emergency City of Austin: 311

    • If your apartment becomes uninhabitable or suffers storm damage and your landlord isn’t helping, call 311 to request City services.

  • TX Department of Health and Human Services: 211

    • Call for help finding community resources (food, housing, health, etc).

Stay Informed

  • Sign up for Warn Central Texas emergency notifications

  • Sign up for Accessible Hazard Alert System (AHAS) to get emergency alerts in American Sign Language

  • Register for Austin Energy’s Outage Alerts by texting REG to 287846

  • Download the free Ready Central Texas app on your mobile phone

  • Bookmark the Emergency Alerts Webpage at austintexas.gov/alerts to get real-time emergency information in 14 languages.

  • Learn more HERE!

Information for Renters

  • BASTA’s tips for preparing for a freeze HERE

  • BASTA’s post-disaster steps for tenants HERE

  • City of Austin winter weather planning

    • Information on emergency preparedness, power outages, electrical safety in a winter storm, transportation, water, property damage, and EMS.

  • City of Austin’s Emergency Preparedness guide (Eng/Spn)

    • Info on important websites, community resilience, emergency supply kits, emergency planning, and more.

  • Cold weather information for renters from the City of Austin

Warming Centers

Cold weather Shelter (CWS) Hotline: (512) 972-5055 (after 8PM, CALL 911)

When CWS activated:

  • Registration 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at One Texas Center. 505 Barton Springs Road, Austin, Texas 78704

  • Bus lines: 1, 7, 10, 20, 30, 105, 142, 801

  • Reminder: Fares will not be required if taking CapMetro to OTC.

All Parks and Library facilities can serve as a Warming Center during normal operating hours. Service animals are permitted in City facilities. Check hours of operation before arriving. Please monitor local news for up-to-date weather information and visit ReadyCentralTexas.org on how to be prepared for winter weather. 

Shelter Information:

See “shelters” section of evictionisnotacure.com/resources.