Houston Winter Storm Warning: How city, airports, residents are preparing
HOUSTON - Mayor John Whitmire says Houston will experience a serious and dangerous winter storm, and he is asking residents to assist officials by limiting their activities starting Monday evening.
"So it's kind of all hands on deck," said Mayor John Whitmire.
City officials say they are tackling this winter storm head on, collaborating with the county, state and federal governments.
What they're saying:
"I can't emphasize enough that Houstonians are going to have to use common sense and be smart, look out for our vulnerable population," said Mayor Whitmire.
The mayor is asking the people to get food supplies and water by Monday evening and asking employers to let non-essential employees stay home.
"We're doing everything we can as a city to prepare for this winter storm. We will be here to keep you safe and respond to emergencies, but we need your help," Mayor Whitmire said. "Please limit your activities and stay home if you can. We don't want you to risk your life or jeopardize the safety of our police officers and firefighters if they have to rescue you when you could have stayed home. Our first responders must remain focused on critical incidents as conditions worsen."
Dig deeper:
What should be in your winter weather vehicle emergency kit
Airport closures at Bush and Hobby ahead of Tuesday's freeze
What we know:
Jim Szczesniak A.A.E says both Bush and Hobby airports will be closed Tuesday. Closures will begin Monday night.
What we don't know:
On Wednesday, the airport could be closed depending on conditions on Tuesday.
Dig deeper:
Hobby, Bush airports to close Tuesday
Public Works' plea on roads, pipes
On Sunday, Public Works began treating critical roadways, while the Texas Department of Transportation is handling highways.
"As the weather comes in, and you see things on the ground, don’t let our pre-treatment of that area fool you into thinking it's safe to stay off the roads," said Randy Macchi, Director of Public Works.
What you can do:
Public works is asking Houston to wrap their pipes, turn off sprinklers, know where your shut-off valve for your water is and more importantly, do not drip your pipes to avoid built up pressure in the water system.
Dig deeper:
What you need to do ahead of winter storms
Houston Fire Department stresses safe ways to stay warm
Chief Thomas Munoz says pay attention to where generators are placed outside your home.
Chief Munoz also stresses that you should not open flames to stay warm, especially inside.
He adds, keep heaters at a safe distance from things that are flammable.
"Stay off the roads and pay attention to where you place those open flames," said Chief Munoz.
Houston warming centers & help for population
HPD Chief Noe Diaz and the mayor on Sunday began making contact with the homeless population to get them into one of the ten 24-hour warming centers open Sunday through Thursday.
1. Acres Homes MSC - 6719 W Montgomery Rd, Houston, Tx 77091
2. Denver Harbor MSC - 6402 Market St. Houston, Tx 77007
3. Fonde CC - 110 Sabine St. Houston, Tx 77007
4. Kashmere MSC - 4802 Lockwood Dr, Houston, Tx 77026
5. Magnolia MSC - 7037 Capitol St. Houston, Tx 77011
6. Metropolitan MSC - 1475 W. Gray St, Houston, Tx 77019
7. Moody Cc - 3725 Fulton St. Houston Tx, 77009
8. Northeast MSC - 9720 Spaulding St, Houston 77016
9. Southwest MSC - 6400 High Star Dr, Houston, Tx 77074
10. Sunnyside MSC - 4410 Reed Rd. Houston, Tx 77051
"They can bring their pets, they can bring their belongings," said Angela Blanchard, Chief Recovery and Resilience Officer.
Blanchard says folks can get a ride to the warming centers.
The city says seniors are also being taken care of and have been contacted for meals and other warming services ahead of the storm.
Houston Winter Storm Warning
Dig deeper:
A winter storm warning is in effect from 6 p.m. Monday through 6 p.m. Tuesday. A cold weather advisory is in effect through noon Monday. Click here for the latest forecast.