Williamson County opens Emergency Operations Center

Killeen Daily Herald
Press Release
January 14, 2024

In response to the Winter Weather Advisory and possible icy conditions, Williamson County Office of Emergency Management has opened the county’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

The EOC is staffed with essential personnel from Emergency Management, Sheriff’s Office, EMS, Road and Bridge, Emergency Communications, Public Affairs, Facilities, Texas Division of Emergency Management and Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) with others working remotely to support the operation.  

Williamson County’s Road and Bridge Division will be checking pavement temperatures and possible icing throughout the night. Their main concern is elevated surfaces including bridges and overpasses. Crews are on call to treat county roads and bridges with sand and de-icing material.   

In case of power outages, the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office will open the doors of their headquarters, 508 Rock Street in Georgetown, as a warming and charging station for those without power. That warming and charging station will remain open as long as it is needed. A list of warming centers is available on the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at www.tdem.texas.gov/warm. Additional Sheriff’s Office deputies are on call throughout the night.   

EMS is fully staffed and has an additional truck working overnight in the northern part of the county. Call volume is currently normal.  

Williamson County responders will continue to monitor conditions and roadways through the evening and through tomorrow when chances of precipitation are the highest.   

“We want the residents of Williamson County to stay home and stay safe. Please use caution when using space heaters in your home as we have an increased risk for house fires during extreme cold weather,” said County Judge Bill Gravell. “In response to ERCOT’s request to reduce energy use Monday morning, Williamson County offices will be closed on Monday for the holiday and have lowered thermostats by four degrees in unoccupied buildings. We encourage residents to also drop their thermostats by four degrees. Finally, please reach out to family and friends, specifically the elderly or those who live alone, to ensure they are doing well.”   

For updated information from Williamson County, visit the website at www.wilcotx.gov and follow Williamson County on Facebook and X @PreparingWilco.