Dallas, Texas – As much of Texas braces itself for several days of sub-freezing temperatures, Salvation Army locations across the state are preparing to help those experiencing homelessness and provide a warm, safe place to get out of the cold, not just at night, but during the day too.
Many Salvation Army locations provide a wide range of emergency services, including hot meals and shelter for men, women, and families all year round. As the temperatures continue to drop, The Salvation Army is making plans to provide extra overnight beds so those experiencing homelessness can stay indoors and get off the streets.
“It is inevitable that more people will come to us for assistance this week, especially seeking overnight shelter from the bitter cold,” said Kathy Clark, Director of The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services in Texas. “Many of our locations make extra, emergency beds available in their shelters during inclement weather and will open as warming centers during the day. The Salvation Army will continue to work with local and state agencies to monitor the developing situation and will be prepared to respond as needed. We will do our best to make sure everyone has a warm, safe place to sleep and shelter, and no one is left outside exposed to the freezing winter weather.”
During freezing winter weather, The Salvation Army provides vital emergency shelter and additional services to help protect vulnerable individuals and families from life‑threatening temperatures. By providing extra beds and ensuring safe places to sleep, the organization offers more than simply a roof overhead, it provides warmth, hot meals, and compassionate care when they are needed most. These emergency efforts help ensure that no one must face the cold alone, offering safety, dignity, and hope during the harshest winter conditions.
There are plenty of preparedness actions you can take now to be ready for the forecast wintry weather, including:
- Have an emergency stockpile of needed supplies (food, water, medicines) to get you through a few days of stormy weather.
- Be prepared for power outages.
- Protect water pipes, especially if power is lost. Covering outdoor faucet heads and letting interior faucets drip as temperatures drop below freezing. Turn water off and drain lines completely in unheated spaces such as your sprinkler system.
- If you have a generator, know how to operate it safely. Never place the generator indoors as the exhaust can lead to deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Don’t leave water bottles, sodas or other drinks in cars overnight. These can freeze, burst, and make a mess of your vehicle.
- While ice/snow is present, limit driving to emergency travel. Be especially aware of black ice conditions where roads can look clear but thin sheets of ice on the blacktop can be extraordinarily dangerous.
- Fuel up your vehicles now, as this can be a way to charge your cell phones if needed.
- Also, don’t forget your pets and plants.
“As temperatures drop, we recognize the critical need for our services, particularly for our most vulnerable neighbors facing real, life-threatening challenges,” said Clark. “Because The Salvation Army is embedded in the communities where it serves, teams are already on the ground and can respond immediately when a disaster strikes, or weather suddenly turns. As the cold sets in, The Salvation Army will continue giving with joy and meeting immediate and long-term community needs, not just during this winter, but year-round.”
To support Salvation Army disaster response in Texas, go to www.helpsalvationarmy.org. For warming station and inclement weather shelter locations, click here. For the most up-to-date disaster information or for details about becoming a disaster volunteer, visit www.salarmyeds.org.
