The city of Austin is hosting emergency “pop-ups” throughout 2023 to inform Austinites on how to prepare for natural disasters before they strike.

The pop-ups will be hosted by the Austin Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in each City Council district. Each pop-up will be a three-hour open-house style session and be located in an Austin Public Library branch every third Wednesday of the month.

At the events, HSEM staff will discuss the geographical risks in residents’ area and how to prepare for them. The first 50 guests who arrive will receive an emergency preparedness kit while supplies last, limited to one per person or household. Spanish and American Sign Language interpretation services will be available.

“We made many improvements to our internal processes after Winter Storm Uri. One initiative we are committed to improving is leading the effort to help our community prepare before a disaster,” HSEM Director Juan Ortiz said in a news release. “These Emergency Preparedness Pop Up events are an opportunity for community members to have conversations with our disaster preparedness experts, on-site and ready to assist with creating a personalized emergency preparedness plan for individuals, families and neighborhoods.

District 10


Date: Jan. 18

Time: 4-7 p.m.

Location: Howson Branch

District 2


Date: Feb. 15

Time: 4-7 p.m.

Location: Southeast Branch

District 8


Date: March 15

Time: 1-4 p.m.

Location: Hampton Branch

District 4


Date: April 19

Time: 1-4 p.m.

Location: Little Walnut Creek

District 5


Date: May 17

Time: 1-4 p.m.

Location: Menchaca Road Branch

District 6

Date: June 21

Time: 4-7 p.m.

Location: Spicewood Springs

District 7

Date: July 19

Time: 4-7 p.m.

Location: Yarborough Branch

District 3

Date: Aug. 16

Time: 1-4 p.m.

Location: Cepeda Branch

District 9

Date: Oct. 18

Time: 4-7 p.m.

Location: Twins Oak Branch

District 1

Date: Nov. 15

Time: 4-7 p.m.

Location: University Hills Branch