North Texas cities have opened up warming centers to help residents get out of the cold during the Artic blast. The state also tracks warming centers.
WHERE TO GO IF YOU NEED TO WARM UP
The Texas Department of Emergency Management has launched its warming center map to help Texans find a place to go if they need to stay warm during the dangerously cold temperatures.
Texas Local Seasonal Relief Centers Map
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The Salvation Army has also opened warming shelters throughout North Texas. There are locations in all four major North Texas counties.
Salvation Army Warming Shelter Information
The City of Dallas Office of Emergency Management has also opened public facilities, including libraries and recreation centers, to make sure that people have a place to stay warm.
City of Dallas Shelter Information
The City of Fort Worth's Office of Emergency Management has teamed up with community partners to set up warming stations day and night.
Fort Worth Office of Emergency Management
Plano has set up overnight warming stations that will be open Friday and throughout the day Saturday.
SALVATION ARMY AND NONPROFITS STEP UP TO HELP
The Salvation Army has a network of shelters and volunteers on standby for those in need of a place to stay.
“We have shelters that provide opportunities throughout the year that will do into surplus operations,” said Jay Dunn, Managing Director of the Salvation Army of North Texas. “So, we’ll set up beds in our gyms and fellowship halls and chapels.”
Dunn said this week they’ll likely have six cold weather shelters open throughout Denton, Collin, Dallas, Tarrant and Rockwall Counties. They expect to serve people from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds.
“We have people that are experiencing homelessness and they’re on the streets and in their car,” he said. “But we also have the working-poor population that has come to us in the past for food or rent assistance, but they might not have adequate heat.”
Both Dunn and Diluccia say there’s a sense of urgency, with memories still fresh from a couple of winters ago. But there’s also always a strong sense of community.
“Since the period of the significant freeze a couple of winters ago, the community has really rallied and prepared for these seasons, so I think we’re a lot better off than we used to be,” said Dunn.
Fort Worth city leaders are planning to open extra shelter space as the frigid blast approaches.
At the Presbyterian Night Shelter, director Toby Owen said the shelter was nearly at capacity Tuesday night but more beds are available.
"Once we fill up and all of the other shelters are full, that's when the city of Fort Worth will open an overflow shelter," he said. "Anyone who'd like to come in and get out of the cold, there will be a spot for them. And we hope people take us up on that because it's too dangerous to stay outside."
PEOPLE, PLANTS, PETS AND PIPES
As we all brace for the arrival of bitter cold, people are being urged to act now so they're ready when it gets here. Vulnerable people, plants, pets and pipes will need extra care.
Just like dripping water is recommended to continue functioning indoors, what happens outdoors is important too. Taking preventive steps can not only save time and money but could prevent dangerous accidents.
“It’s important to make sure your sprinklers don’t run when it’s cold and you’re sleeping, and you go out and your neighbors are going across an icy road or sidewalk,” said Diluccia.
Failing to get ready now could cost down the line. Joe Diluccia with Texas Waterboys Sprinklers and Drainage said there’s been an increase in calls this week from people wanting to protect their systems. He said a broken valve after a winter storm could cost thousands depending on the size.
CONTINUING WEATHER COVERAGE
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