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How to Help Winter Storm Victims in Texas, and Stay Safe

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The 2021 winter storms have been especially destructive in U.S. states like Texas, which normally don't experience such harsh weather. Sub-zero temperatures have left millions without basic resources like power and water, and have exposed many even further to the ongoing, dangerously-cold weather. Here are ways you can help those affected during this difficult time, or if you or people you know are stranded in areas like Texas, here are some resources to help stay safe and warm.

Warming Centers and Shelter​

Texas Warming Stations​

There are dozens of warming stations across Texas where those without power and heat can go to stay warm. An interactive map from the state of Texas shows you exactly where one is located closest to you. "For stranded motorists, those without power, and anyone in need of warmth, warming stations are available at locations across the state. To find the closest warming shelter, please use the map below or for information on additional assistance and resources call 2-1-1." https://tdem.texas.gov/warm/

Austin Street Center​

Austin Street Center is collecting donations of warm articles of clothing, including coats, hoodies, boots, gloves, and more. If you aren't near the area, you can donate money online to help with their operational costs. https://www.austinstreet.org/donations_/

The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center​

The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center has an Amazon Wishlist set up so you can purchase essential items for those in Dallas to stay warm. They are specifically looking for sleeping bags, hand and foot warmers, batteries, bottles of water, and boots. https://www.bridgehrc.org/donate-to-the-bridge

American Red Cross​

The American Red Cross is providing dozens of warming centers with blankets and cots. You can donate to help the organization assist where it is most needed. https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/

Food Services​

Free Lunch​

The organization Free Lunch is delivering healthy, home-cooked meals to the Esperanza Community residents, along with blankets and hygiene kits. You can donate to help fund their cause. https://freelunchatx.com/contribute

Austin Area Urban League​

The Love Thy Neighbor Texas campaign has launched to help give emergency support to Austin communities. They are asking for donations to provide others with food, shelter, water, clothing, and other items. They are also using the hashtag [HASH=3533]#LoveThyNeighborTX[/HASH] to spread awareness. https://aaul.org/love-your-neighbor

The Salvation Army of North Texas​

The Salvation Army is asking for donations specifically to provide food, shelter, and electricity to those in Texas. https://salvationarmyntx.org/

Lucille's 1913 Community Kitchen​

The non-profit organization Lucille's 1913 Community Kitchen is delivering meals to those in need in the Houston area and is accepting both one-time and recurring monthly donations. http://www.lucilles1913.org/support-lucille-s-1913.html

Pets​

Austin Pets Alive​

The non-profit organization Austin Pets Alive is raising funds to help keep animals warm. They are asking for heating pads, dog beds, Styrofoam coolers, heat lamps, as well as monetary donations for immediate supplies. https://www.austinpetsalive.org/donate

How to Stay Safe​

If you are currently enduring the effects of the winter storm, here are some tips and resources to help stay healthy and warm. How to Stay Healthy During a Winter Storm If you don't have power or other resources after a winter storm, the CDC offers guidelines on health and safety in very cold weather. This page contains many tips, from how to heat your house safely to how to care for infants. Here's a selection of tips from the page:
  • Turning on the stove for heat is not safe.
  • Use fireplaces, wood stoves, or other combustion heaters only if they are properly vented to the outside and do not leak gas from the flue or exhaust into the indoor air space.
  • Avoid unnecessarily opening doors or windows.
  • Close off unneeded rooms.
  • Stuff towels or rags in cracks under doors.
  • Close draperies or cover windows with blankets at night.
  • Use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns rather than candles, if possible. Candles can lead to house fires.
  • Never use generators, gas or charcoal grills, camp stoves, or similar devices inside your home, in basements, in garages, or near windows. The fumes are deadly.
  • Extreme cold can cause water pipes in your home to freeze and sometimes rupture or break. When you are expecting very cold or freezing temperatures. Leave all water taps slightly open so they drip continuously.
There are many more tips regarding transportation, hypothermia, and other topics on the CDC site. The CDC offers more guidance on winter storm preparation and safety here. Boil Water Notices After winter storms knocked out treatment plants and caused damage to water systems, many jurisdictions issued boil water notices for public safety. If advised in your area, you should boil water before usage. Here's a helpful video on how to boil water safely from the City of Austin Water Utility.
How to Boil Water During a Boil Water Notice: currently affecting customers in southwest Austin and Lost Creek neighborhood. More info @ https://****/s2dd1OlBCh pic.twitter.com/nDH0v9TAu5

— Austin Water (@AustinWater) February 17, 2021
How to Conserve Power If you have power and are near a region affected by power outages, putting less strain on the grid may help your neighbors get power restored faster. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas offers these guidelines on how to save energy:
  • Turn down thermostats to 68-degrees.
  • Close shades and blinds to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows.
  • Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances.
  • Avoid using large appliances (i.e., ovens, washing machines, etc.).
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