The declaration stated that “unprecedented snowfall combined with loss of power to city critical infrastructure has left many residents without power or running water.” Issuing this declaration allows Gonzales and the city to have the ability to request disaster recovery assistance from the state and federal government.
Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statewide declaration Feb. 12, with President Joe Biden following with an emergency declaration for Texas on Feb. 14. Travis County also issues its own declaration because of the severity of the weather that is affecting residents.
In a separate statement posted Feb. 16 to the city’s Facebook page, Gonzales said he has also been without power and understands the concerns of Pflugerville residents.
“Please understand that we are doing everything feasibly possible to stay on top of the situation as things begin to improve,” he said in the statement. “We will be here at the [Emergency Operations Center] around the clock and updates [will be] provided as available.”
On Feb. 15, the city announced a boil-water notice because of a power outage at the water treatment plant. Gonzales said in his statement that city personnel are manning the water treatment plant and will activate operations as soon as power returns.
The city is using text-based communication for those without internet, and residents may signup by texting PfPD to 888777. Additional information on warming sites is available by calling the Austin Disaster Relief Network’s hotline at 512-806-0800 or the Austin-Travis County’s hotline at 512-305-4233.
