The Levelland - Hockley County Emergency Management department reported low temperatures throughout the week with possible icy conditions.
Emergency Management Coordinator Cole Kirkland is urging community members in the Hockley and surrounding areas to implement safety measures while traveling in cold temperatures and icy conditions including in the evenings and early mornings.
For home owners, Kirkland encourages residents to take safety measures for colder weather such as covering exposed faucets and pipes.
He explained that the low temperatures have reached into the 20’s and pose a threat to pipes under homes.
“Depending on the temperatures that we have through the middle of the week, it could cause damages to homes,” explained Kirkland. “It is really temperatures that get into the single digits that cause problems and begin busting pipes.”
Kirkland also added that exposed faucets or pipe outside should be the main concern heading into the 20 degree weather while the focus will shift and include any pipe within the home.
With possible conditions worsening throughout the week, Kirkland hopes travelers will use caution traveling and making their way through the evenings and on barren roads.
Kirkland encourages drivers to let other family members know when they are departing and when they should be expected or contacted if driving long distances is necessary.
For drivers, the potential for being stranded is something each motorist on the road faces.
Kirkland encourages vehicle owners to put together a few items to leave in vehicles in case the situation arises.
Water, blankets, a flashlight and if there is any type of substance on the road, kitty litter works well.
“If someone is stranded on the road, having a few of these items will put those people in a better situation,” said Kirkland. “Once the call for help is made, depending on where the person is, that could take some time. If that person is stranded at night and the temperature is severely low, then it can be a difficult experience.”
If the icy conditions make their way into Hockley County, Kirkland said residents could experience power outages and drops in electricity.
Power lines are bound to accumulate ice and the weight of the ice will cause the lines to bounce and potentially come in contact with each other once the ice falls. Kirkland says that is one of the main reasons for power outages during winter conditions.
If anyone comes across power lines on the ground or disturbed, Kirkland cautions everyone to stay away from the lines and call 911.