Houston is preparing for another cold snap, with city officials set to activate all 12 multi-service centers as warming centers starting this evening. Mayor John Whitmire stated yesterday, "If we use common sense and make preparations, this should not be a life threatening arctic blast," following criticism of the city’s response during a January freeze, as reported by Houston Public Media.
The National Weather Service predicts wind chills as low as 19 degrees, making the opening of the centers necessary. The city will activate them when temperatures drop to 24 degrees for two consecutive hours or when the wind chill reaches 15 degrees, unlike other major Texas cities where centers open when temperatures hit freezing levels. The centers will be open from 6 p.m. today to 8 a.m. Friday, providing refuge for residents, including families at the Northeast Multi-Service Center and those needing mental health support at Fonde and Metropolitan centers, as noted on the Houston Chronicle.
The warming centers are located throughout the city, including the Moody Community Center at 3725 Fulton St. and Sunnyside Multi-Service Center at 4410 Reed Rd. A full list of locations is available for those needing warmth. The city is also offering ride-hailing services for those who need transportation to the centers. Individuals can contact the city's helpline at 3-1-1 for assistance. This comes after a tragic incident where a man was found dead at a Houston bus stop, a victim of the cold, as confirmed by METRO officials, with further confirmation pending from the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.
The city's collaboration with agencies like the American Red Cross and Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones is also evident. The Bayland Community Center will open as a 24-hour shelter, and pets in crates will be accommodated. Briones' office confirmed these measures, as reported by Houston Public Media. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the warming center status and use these resources to protect themselves from hazardous conditions.
