On Feb. 18, ahead of the upcoming freeze, Houston Mayor John Whitmire held a press conference.
As temperatures are expected to drop tomorrow night, it’s important for all citizens to take steps to ensure their safety and well-being. While the cold snap may not be life-threatening, it is still vital to be prepared.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know and do in the coming days.
Protect Our Vulnerable Populations
One of the most important things we can do is look out for our seniors and those in residential facilities. Many of our community members are especially vulnerable to extreme weather, and we must ensure they have the support they need during this cold snap. Make sure elderly neighbors or family members are properly sheltered, have adequate heating, and are not at risk of exposure to the cold.
Warming Centers and Service Availability
Warming centers will be available across Houston for anyone who needs refuge from the cold. Several service centers across the city will be open to assist residents, and special attention will be paid to mental and emotional well-being. The Health and Mental Health departments will be on-site to offer support, especially for those experiencing anxiety or stress due to the weather conditions. If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally, help is available.
For families with children, the NE Houston Service Center will be a designated space for family units to stay together in a warm and safe environment. It’s essential that families have access to these services, so please share this information with those who may benefit.
Starting Wednesday night at 8 p.m., the city will be opening all 12 of its multiservice warming centers:
- Acres Homes Multi-Service Center: 6719 W. Montgomery Road
- Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center: 6402 Market Street
- Fifth Ward Multi-Service Center: 4014 Market Street
- Fonde Community Center: 110 Sabine Street
- Kashmere Multi-Service Center: 4802 Lockwood Drive
- Magnolia Multi-Service Center: 7037 Capitol Street
- Metropolitan Multi-Service Center: 1475 W. Gray Street
- Moody Community Center: 3725 Fulton Street
- Northeast Multi-Service Center: 9720 Spaulding Street
- Southwest Multi-Service Center: 6400 High Star Drive
- Sunnyside Multi-Service Center: 4410 Reed Road
- Third Ward Multi-Service Center: 3611 Ennis Street
Be Smart, Plan Ahead
While it’s not anticipated to be a life-threatening freeze, temperatures are expected to drop to around 31°F, with a wind chill potentially making it feel even colder. The National Weather Service has forecasted rain throughout tonight and into tomorrow, with temperatures continuing to fall through the night on Thursday. We advise all residents to be prepared for chilly conditions tomorrow morning, and stay tuned for further updates.
In the meantime, we urge you to check in with your apartment complex manager or residential facility operator, especially in areas like Spring Branch. Ensure that any vulnerable individuals—particularly young children—are properly taken care of in these conditions. If you have a vehicle, make sure it’s ready for potential travel.
Generator Safety
For those relying on generators to keep their homes warm, please be sure you understand how to use them safely. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a real risk, so never use a generator indoors or in an enclosed space. Make sure all exhausts are properly ventilated. It’s crucial that you follow safety protocols to avoid accidents.
If you have any questions about how to safely operate your generator, there are resources available. Local authorities, including the Houston Police Department (HPD) and the Fire Department, will also be offering guidance to ensure everyone remains safe.
Collaboration and Community Support
We must all work together to get through this weather event safely. If you know someone who may need assistance, whether it’s a ride to a warming center or help with securing necessities, don’t hesitate to offer support. Stay connected with your neighbors, family, and friends, and share any important updates about resources or changes to the weather forecast.
The City Council is working diligently with all relevant agencies to ensure that everyone has access to the resources they need. Please remain vigilant, stay informed through official channels, and exercise common sense as we face this cold front together.
In Conclusion
While the freezing temperatures may not be extreme, they still pose risks that we can avoid with proper preparation. By keeping an eye on our seniors, utilizing available service centers, ensuring the safety of our homes and generators, and supporting each other, we can minimize the impact of this cold snap. Stay safe, stay informed, and let’s work together to keep our community warm and protected.
