Please take note from our friends at ABC Home and Commercial Services. We hope this will help plan and deal with home issues in this weather. Click here for the updated blog posts and tips.
NOTE: ABC is doing everything they can to keep their workers in the field:
- ABC fully expects there will be issues obtaining parts and necessary supplies for weeks. Things like PVC pipe, copper pipe, plumbing fittings, electrical components and controller boards will be difficult to get. Some suppliers aren’t able to open their operations yet.
- There are reports of gasoline being hard to obtain. ABC doesn’t “store” gasoline, so individual Specialists are dependent on fuel stations around them.
- Three out of four of our customer service folks (phone based) are without power – severely impacting our ability to answer calls.
- We’re getting our Plumbers and their families who are also without electricity into hotels so they can warm up and clean up.
- Some of our cities (San Antonio and Corpus Christi) will be able to run limited emergency services Wednesday and Thursday.
- We don’t expect Austin to be able to run emergency services until probably Friday.
Additional Emergency Tips:
If you are still without power or water and need to get to a Warming Shelter. Palmer Events Center is at capacity as of Thursday morning. If you need emergency transportation to a warming shelter call 311 or email coaemergencyrides@austintexas.gov.
Additional Warming Shelters:
- Downtown Salvation Army Shelter, 501 E. 8th Street: Families should report here. Use Capital Metro bus routes 2, 4, 6, 7, and 10.
- Del Valle High School, 5201 Ross Road
- Mendez Middle School, 5106 Village Square Drive: There is limited capacity, and this is intended for Austin’s most vulnerable populations, especially those who have medical devices that need power to operate.
- Webb Middle School, 601 E. St Johns Ave.: There is limited capacity, and this is intended for Austin’s most vulnerable populations, especially those who have medical devices that need power to operate. On Wednesday, Austin ISD Police said this shelter is closed due to water issues.
- Reilly Elementary School, 405 Denson Drive: Opened Wednesday as a shelter, Austin ISD Police said.
- Lee Elementary School, 3308 Hampton Road: Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. to any families that need access to warmth or to charge medical devices. There are limited resources on site.
- Murchison Middle School, 3700 North Hills Dr.: Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. to any families that need access to warmth and to charge medical devices. There are limited resources on site.
- Joslin Elementary School, 4500 Menchaca Road: Open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. to any families that need access to warmth and to charge medical devices. There are limited resources on site.
- Barrington Elementary School, 400 Cooper Dr.: Open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. to any families that need access to warmth and to charge medical devices. There are limited resources on site..
PSA from Austin Fire: Turn Off All Appliances and Electronics before power is restored; major fire incident caused by oven left on before power outage.
The city is still looking for volunteers with 4×4 vehicles who can help transport those in need, as well as staff for Warming Shelters. If you are able to help, FILL OUT THIS FORM and they will contact you.
Capital Metro is back in service with limited bus capacity. Click here for the continually updating schedule.
Austin-area Hospitals Are Running Out of Water and being forced to evacuate patients to other local hospitals or discharge those who can go home.
2/18/21 Update
AUSTIN & SAN ANTONIO – The weather is not cooperating in these areas. We are unable to get trucks on the road. The weather appears worse in San Antonio than Austin, and we are keeping a close eye on driving conditions.
CORPUS CHRISTI – ABC is running fairly normally in Corpus Christi. The weather is cooperating and allowing our folks to get out on the road. If you have a call scheduled with ABC, keep your phone handy.
COLLEGE STATION – No maintenance services are running at this time. We are unable to get trucks on the road and are keeping a close eye on driving conditions.
Some things for you to be aware of:
· If you are in need of a plumber, please make sure to do your homework. Unfortunately, not everybody that claims to be a plumber is a plumber. Every plumber is required by law to have a license and provide it if asked. The license should be visible on websites, business cards, literature or any kind of vehicle. If someone tries to tell you they have a license but can’t show you – RUN! If someone tries to tell you they have a license from out of state, be wary. Texas does a good job of licensing some trades, and plumbing is one of them. The thousands of hours required for a plumbing license is very real.
· Ask your insurance company what could happen if you use an unlicensed plumber. Most any insurance company will insist you only use a licensed plumber; if you don’t they could void your claim.
· We’re working with our suppliers to get an idea on what can be expected regarding replenishment of critical parts and supplies. Many suppliers, including the big box stores, are already short on critical supplies.
· Keep your phone handy for any services you are having. Even in “normal” times, most service providers won’t send a service person out unless you verify you are home or can be there in a few minutes. Look at it from a service company’s perspective: If a company were to send someone to a home for an appointment, without verifying the homeowner was there, and the service person arrives to find no one home, it’s a wasted trip. Literally – time and gasoline are wasted, which will be precious in the coming weeks.
· Remember: Our initial focus will be to get to as many homes as we can and to make temporary, quick, emergency repairs, for many different services. Longer-term, more time-consuming permanent repairs will have to wait.
We thank you for your patience as systems come back up. We hope everyone continues to stay as safe and warm as possible. Know that everyone at ABC is doing everything in our power to get to homes as quickly and safely as we can.
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