Update 10:40 a.m. The City of Houston will open up its warming centers at 6 p.m. today, two hurs earlier than originally planned.
Original Story:
While downplaying the expected effects of the below freezing temperatures expected to hit Houston late Wednesday and early Thursday, Mayor John Whitmire Tuesday asked residents to look out for their neighbors and protect their pets.
“The good news is, if we use common sense and make preparations, this should not be a life-threatening Arctic blast. There’s going to be very little or no moisture Wednesday night,” he said, speaking at an early evening press conference.
The main concern, he said, is “going to be our vulnerable citizens.” He asked residents to look out for seniors, and to use common sense at home with your plants your pipes and your pets.
“Do not be tying pets up in this weather, in these conditions.”
Whitmire also announced that mental health professionals will be on hand at Fonde and the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center on West Gray, two of the best-attended shelters during the snow storm that hit the city in January to help people dealing with anxiety — particularly the homeless — caused by being in the shelter and unsure of the weather’s outcome.
Twelve warming centers would be open at 8 p.m. 6 p.m. Wednesday and rides would be provided for people who can’t get to a shelter on their own. Call 3-1-1 for assistance.
The Twelve Warming Centers are:
Acres Homes Multi-Service Center: 6719 W Montgomery Road
Northeast Multi-Service Center: 9720 Spaulding
Kashmere Multi-Service Center: 4802 Lockwood
Moody Community Center: 3725 Fulton
Fonde Community Center: 110 Sabine
Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center: 6402 Market
Magnolia Multi-Service Center: 7037 Capitol
Metropolitan Multi-Service Center: 1475 W Gray
Southwest Multi-Service Center: 6400 High Star
Sunnyside Multi-Service Center: 4410 Reed
Fifth Ward Multi-Service Center: 4014 Market
Third Ward Multi-Service Center: 3611 Ennis
