How To Find Warming Centers In Texas

ACROSS TEXAS —While power is slowly being restored to Texans days after extreme winter weather hit the state, the outages have caused a flurry of issues throughout the state's heating, water, and food supplies.

Hundreds of thousands of Texans remain without power on Thursday following a winter storm that's been blamed for the deaths of more than three dozen people, some of whom died while they struggled to keep warm.

The ongoing cold is also expected to prompt rolling power outages over the coming days.

Meanwhile, the Texas National Guard has been deployed to check on Texans and assist local authorities in helping those in need find a local warming center.

If you're without heat or know someone who is, the Texas Division of Emergency Management has a map of all warming centers set up throughout the state. You can find the map here.

Another way to find warming centers and other resources is by calling 877-541-7905 or 211, the state’s free 24-hour helpline. Texans can also find information about specific local resources, assistance and guidance on local city government websites and social media accounts.

If you're without power or heat and can't make it to a warming center, here are a few tips to help keep you and your family warm:

• The National Weather Service encourages people to close blinds and curtains, close off rooms and stuff towels in any cracks under doors.
• Wear layers of warm and lightweight clothing.
• If possible, make sure to eat and drink to keep your body warm.
• Pick a spot to hunker down and close it off from the rest of your home.
• Due to potential carbon monoxide poisoning, do not use gas ovens or propane heaters to keep warm while indoors.
• If using a generator, place them outdoors and away from windows. Keep them dry and properly grounded. Never plug them into a wall outlet or main electrical panel.