City of Houston, Star of Hope prepare for incoming cold weather
HOUSTON - The City of Houston is bracing for the cold weather headed south. With temperatures dipping down into the 30s, city officials want to make sure everyone has a plan in place. The City of Houston's Office of Emergency Management said they are monitoring the forecast for the upcoming cold weather and taking measures to ensure safety of residents.
"Please don’t panic, this is not a February 2021 type of event. That’s not what we’re expecting," said Ruth Tovar, the public information officer for the City of Houston's Office of Emergency Management. "However, please make sure that you have a plan in place anyway."
RELATED: Houston weather: Winter weather for Southeast Texas, freeze warning for the area
The non-profit organization, the Star of Hope, is preparing for dangerously low temperatures that could impact Houston’s homeless population. The organization helps the unhorsed population and helps change lives through long and short-term recovery programs.
"We find that the shelters will fill out more with weather like this," said Scott Arthur, the director of public relations for the Star of Hope.
SUGGESTED: ERCOT issues Weather Watch from Jan. 6-10 due to cold weather forecasted
The Star of Hope reports that their women's and children’s shelter, which houses nearly 500 people, is currently at capacity. Their mens shelter is also at capacity, with around 300 people seeking shelter.
Houston evening weather forecast, Jan. 5
A strong cold front brought a line of storms across Southeast Texas Sunday and very cold air will move in behind the front Sunday night. There is a FREEZE WARNING in effect until 9am Monday across the entire viewing area and a COLD WEATHER ADVISORY in affect. With blustery winds feels like temperatures will be in the teens and 20s waking up Monday morning. Make sure you dress in layers bring your pets inside and limit your time outdoors during the early morning hours this upcoming week. Afternoon highs will be in the 40s and wake up temperatures near freezing. At this time the chance for a wintry precipitation in the Houston area is low, but the models continue to update, so make sure you stick with us on the free FOX LOCAL app for the latest.
"We are going to make sure that they are aware of the fact that it’s not just tonight or tomorrow night, this is life-threatening weather all week long," said Arthur.
To help keep the unhoused population warm, the Star of Hope’s Love in Action Van will be driving around Houston offering clothing to keep people warm.
"We’re going to make sure they have blankets, coats, scarves, gloves, warm socks," said Arthur.
Get news, weather and so much more on the new FOX LOCAL app
The City of Houston Office of Emergency Management reminds people to keep the four P’s of preparedness in mind. That’s people, pipes, plants, and pets.
- People: Dress warmly, stay inside when possible, and check on neighbors, especially the elderly and those with special needs.
- Pets: Bring pets indoors or ensure they have a warm, safe place to shelter.
- Pipes: Protect exposed pipes by insulating them.
- Plants: Bring sensitive plants inside or cover them to protect against frost.
"Make sure you’re wrapping those pipes. Make sure you’re checking on the elderly. Make sure that you’re warm. So it never hurts to be prepared ahead of time," said Tovar.
Beginning on Monday, the Star of Hope’s Love in Action Van will be distributing coats, blankets, and clothing to Houston’s homeless.
The Star of Hope also said they’re in need of donations of socks, jackets, gloves, and more. Donations can be brought to their Donation and Distribution Center at 2320 Lamar Street, and to the Star of Hope's Cornerstone Community location at 2575 Reed Road at Highway 288. Drop off hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.