WACO, Texas — A cold arctic blast is making its way to town just in time for the holiday weekend. Some Central Texas cities have already started preparations as they worry the dangerous temperatures won't be taken seriously.
They're leaning on the side of precaution but don't want anyone to panic as the dangerously cold temperatures move in.
"Conversations are being had, resources are being moved into place and we're doing everything we can to make sure that this passing weather while unpleasant won't be to the detriment or injury of anybody," said Ryan Dirker, the assistant emergency management coordinator for the Waco – McLennan County Office of Emergency Management.
Dirker is asking Central Texans to help do their part as the cold blows in. He said departments, like public works and utility crews, are prepared as they have learned from prior winter storms. However, he explains it is always good to take some stress off of events like this.
"The best thing you can do for us is to help yourselves," Dirker added. "Make sure that your homes are well insulated. If you have exposed pipes, make sure they're wrapped. The best thing that individuals can do for the community is take the precautions in their own homes to try to protect against things like pipe breaks."
One of his biggest concerns, the state's power grid. Dirker believes it will hold up, but it could take some ease during the high demand weekend.
"To the extent that people can, if they want to protect the grid, try to conserve whatever you can within the bounds of what's safe for you and your family," he said.
Another worry for the emergency management team -- unsheltered community members. Dirker told 6 News that Waco has about 250 to 300 unsheltered people. They are one of the reasons why the city will open a warming center this week at the Sul Ross community Center, 401 N 15th St.
"Cold weather situations like this disproportionately affect unsheltered people in our community and we certainly keep a very close eye on that," Dirker explained.
However, he did stress it can only provide a warm space.
"The warming center itself is a place that if you need a warm, safe place to go, to get out of the cold, as kind of a shelter of last resort -- that is available to you," Dirker said. "We will have cots and blankets available for anyone who needs them. We do ask that if people do come to the warming center, that they bring their own pillows, their own blankets, their own food and water, comfort of life sort of things. A good rule of thumb is to be able to sustain yourself for 48 to 72 hours if you need to do that."
The Sul Ross Community Center will be open as a 24–hour warming center from Thursday, Dec. 22, at 3 p.m. until at least Saturday, Dec. 24 at noon. Hours could change depending on the cold temperatures.
The City of Killeen will also be opening a warming center during the freeze this week, details for that to be released soon.
