How to Help Texas Winter Storm Victims and Stay Safe

The winter storms of 2021 were particularly destructive in U.S. states like Texas, which don’t normally experience such harsh weather conditions. Sub-zero temperatures have left millions of people without basic resources such as electricity and water, and more exposed to the continually cold climate. Here are ways to 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 you stay safe and warm.

Warming centers and shelters

Texas Warming Stations

There are dozens of warming stations across Texas where people without electricity and heat can get warm. A interactive map of the state of Texas shows you exactly where one is closest to you.

“For stranded motorists, those without electricity and anyone in need of heat, heating stations are available statewide. To find the nearest heated shelter, please use the map below or for information on additional support and resources, call 2-1-1. “

https://tdem.texas.gov/warm/

Austin Street Center

Austin Street Center collects donations of warm clothing items, including coats, hoodies, boots, gloves, and more. If you are not near the area, you can donate online to help cover their running costs.

https://www.austinstreet.org/donations_/

Bridge homeless recovery center

The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center has put together an Amazon Wish List so you can shop for essentials to keep those in Dallas warm. They are specifically looking for sleeping bags, hand and foot warmers, batteries, water bottles and boots.

https://www.bridgehrc.org/donate-to-the-bridge

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross provides dozens of warming centers with blankets and cots. You can donate to help the organization help where it is needed most.

https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/

Food services

Free meal

The Free Lunch organization provides healthy, homemade meals to residents of the Esperanza community, as well as 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 was launched to help bring emergency relief to communities in Austin. They ask for donations to provide others with food, shelter, water, clothing and other items. They also use the hashtag #LoveThyNequartTX to raise awareness.

https://aaul.org/love-your-nequart

The North Texas Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is asking for donations specifically to provide food, shelter and electricity to those in Texas.

https://salvationarmyntx.org/

Lucille’s community kitchen in 1913

Lucille’s 1913 Community Kitchen nonprofit delivers meals to those in need in the Houston area and accepts one-time and recurring monthly donations.

https://www.lucilles1913.org/support-lucille-s-1913.html

Pets

Austin Pets Alive

The Austin Pets Alive nonprofit raises funds to help keep pets warm. They are asking for heating pads, dog beds, styrofoam coolers, heat lamps, as well as cash donations for immediate supplies.

https://www.austinpetsalive.org/donate

How to stay safe

If you are currently experiencing the effects of the winter storm, here are some tips and resources to help you stay healthy and warm. As other southern cities arrive to prepare for similar storms, any preparation can help.

How to stay healthy during a winter storm

If you have no electricity or other resources after a winter storm, the CDC Offers Extreme Cold Weather Health and Safety Guidelines. This page has lots of tips, from how to heat your home safely to how to care for infants. Here is a selection of tips on 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 outdoors and do not leak gas from the flue or exhaust into the indoor air space .
• Avoid opening doors or windows unnecessarily.
• Close unnecessary rooms.
• Stuff towels or rags in the cracks under the doors.
• Close the curtains or cover the windows with blankets at night.
• Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns rather than candles, if possible. Candles can cause household fires.
• Never use generators, gas or charcoal grills, camping stoves, or similar devices inside your home, in basements, in garages, or near windows. The vapors are lethal.
• Extreme cold can cause the water lines in your home to freeze and sometimes rupture or break. When you expect very cold or freezing temperatures. Leave all water faucets slightly open so that they drip continuously.
  

There are many other tips on transportation, hypothermia and other topics. on the CDC website. The CDC offers more advice on winter storm preparedness and safety here.

Boil water advisory

After winter storms destroyed treatment plants and damaged water systems, many jurisdictions have issued boil water advisories for public safety. If advised in your area, you should boil water before use. Here is a useful video on how to boil water safely of the City of Austin Water Department.

How to Boil Water During a Boil Water Advisory: Currently affecting customers in Southwest Austin and the Lost Creek area. More information @ https://t.co/s2dd1OlBCh pic.twitter.com/nDH0v9TAu5

– Austin Water (@AustinWater) February 17, 2021

How to conserve energy

If you have electricity and are near an area affected by power outages, reducing the strain on the grid can help your neighbors restore power faster. Texas Electric Reliability Council offers these guidelines on how to save energy:

• Lower the thermostats to 68 degrees.
• Close blinds and shades to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows.
• Turn off and unplug lights and non-essential appliances.
• Avoid using large appliances (ie ovens, washing machines, etc.).