Hill Country residents prepare for possible wintry mix

BURNET COUNTY, Texas - Central Texans have been busy preparing for Thursday's cold weather and possible ice, especially in the Hill Country.

Hoover’s Hardware store in Burnet plans months in advance for this kind of weather.

"The store has been preparing for this since probably November," said Michael Bullard, the sales store manager.

Now that it's finally here, products are flying off the shelves.

"That is the salt for the sidewalks. We’ve sold out of that, we’ve got it on order," said Bullard. "Should be here on Monday. We’ve also sold out of the freeze misers. Those are about $29 or so, but you put them on your faucet, and when the temperature hits a certain degree it turns on and lets your faucets drip."

While it’s good for business, the products could make all the difference to your home, too.

"Prepare early," said Bullard. "Prepare before you think it’s going to get cold. The sooner you can do it, the better off your houses are."

The Central Texas chapter of the American Red Cross gives the same advice.

"The number one advice that we always have is always stay prepared," said Delia Krippelz, the regional communications director. "You never know when bad weather is going to come or any type of disaster. You know, making sure that you have an emergency kit, a go kit, another one- a stay-at-home kit."

That should include food, water, medication, baby formula, and a backup phone charger. Perhaps even a generator or space heater.

"Of course, please do not use any generators inside your home or in your garage," said Krippelz. Please make sure you’re using them outside at an appropriate space between the house and the generators. Space heaters are also another big cause of home fires, unfortunately."

Even if it’s just cold rain on Thursday, it’s better safe than sorry.

"The storm is expected to not be as high, you know, as it was in previous years," said Krippelz. "I recommend just using what you have or if you’re able to go get in last-minute supplies, please do so, but again preparedness is key."