UPDATE 2 | SATURDAY | FEBRUARY 20, 2021

INCIDENT SUMMARY

A deep freeze or also known as an extreme winter event hit the State of Texas in February, causing power outages and water shortages. The power company was warned to start winterizing their equipment to protect against power outages but it occurred anyway and many have frozen to death in their homes, cars and outside of their residences as they try to warm themselves.

RESOURCES – INCIDENT COOPERATORS

Austin Police Department

“I know there are so many people doing similar things right now, from healthcare workers to utility workers, to fire and EMS workers. But man, when you see it so blatantly in front of your face – the sacrifices people are making to help others and save lives – it really is a gut-punch of reality. Please remember to be kind and patient with one another as we all try to get through these last few days of snow.” – APD Detective Cunningham (Facebook page)

Austin Fire Department

When there is a call in the middle of an extreme winter event, they go out 24/7.

Personnel and equipment have been dispatched to many incidents, including broken pipes, major water calls, structure fires, challenges to low water pressure, frozen water hydrants, and a water shortage, but they must still respond.

In the last 24 hours, they have responded to 64 collisions with one rescue, 16 wires arcing or down, 26 public assist calls, 191 alarm activations, two fires, 168 broken water pipe calls with a total of 9-1-1 calls for service within their service area at 1,086 and 296 outside of their jurisdiction in Travis County. A normal average within a 24-hour period is between 300-500 calls.

Dispatched calls are handled through their department and EMS through the Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services, as well as partnering with the Austin Police Department.

Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services

During the winter storm event, field and communications medics worked multiple 12 and 24-hour shifts, covered extra shifts to help their members, stayed overnight at stations, provided transportation for each other to and from work, checked on each other and their families.

They responded to 6,058 calls for service, 187 environmental exposures, 519 falls and 115 traffic collisions with injuries.

The Austin EMS Association also gets a big shoutout for all as they went into a mobilization immediately at the beginning of the storm to support their Medics. They began a fundraiser to deliver hot food and other relief to their members with a goal of $5,000 but they succeeded by ten times as much and paid it forward for additional agencies in other areas.

They successfully delivered 1,800 meals to ATCEMS Medics, Austin FD crews and APD personnel, as well as other First Responder organizations. Food also was delivered to area hospital staff, shelters warming centers. Some of the food was sent to Central TX First Responders and Copperas Cove and Fayette County.

All of these long hours and tireless efforts are all done on off-duty time as volunteers. Wow! Nice work!

Houston Fire Department

Houston firefighters, cadets and HFD Fire Chief Sam Pena answering the call of the citizens by helping with water distribution and helping their local citizens in need.

Photo Credit | Houston FD

Spring Fire Department

The Spring FD states they have now weathered through the storm. Station 74 has been a very busy month for personnel, apparatus and equipment.

Texas A&M Forest Service

“Personnel from the McGregor Heart of Texas Task Force deliver some much-needed supplies in North Texas on February 18, 2021.

DISASTER DECLARATION

Yesterday, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Texas and ordered federal assistance to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe winter storms beginning on February 11, 2021, and continuing. See the full article on the White House website here –> President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Approves Texas Disaster Declaration | The White House

WHERE TO FIND NEEDED RESOURCES | TX HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Texas Food Bank Network Provider | Texas Health and Human Services TX Health and Human Services website has a vast variety of services they can extend to their residents that is geared to the Aging, Disabled, Financial/Food/Health/Mental Health needs and other helpful information. Find your nearest food bank to where you are.

INFRASTRUCTURE

AEP Texas

AEP Texas reports as of 1800 hours CST on Saturday, that most of their customers have had their power restored with only a few pockets of individual or smaller groups of customers. Some are taking a little longer than expected due to damaged equipment or other challenges. Call #866-223-8508 to report an outage or visit their site at AEPTexas.com or Outages & Problems (aeptexas.com)

CenterPoint Energy

Reports of most of their customers’ power has also returned. Here is an outage map. CenterPoint Energy Outage Tracker

DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS

Damage Reporting | Polk County

Individuals and Business in Polk County who sustained losses from the winter storm can apply for FEMA assistance by visiting www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585.

ALERTS

Food Bank-Water Distribution Centers | San Antonio

Water Supply | Lake Livingston

Water has been restored to the areas listed in the attachment below; however pressure may fluctuate or possibly drop completely at our tanks due to high demand, main line breaks and leaks on customer lines. Crews are working diligently to keep up with all repairs. Report any watermain breaks at the water tanks. Please see the entire message below.

Comfort Station | Euless

Comfort Station and will remain open Mon-Sat from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sun from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. We welcome those needing access to restrooms, showers or access to water. Please bring your own towels, supplies and water containers. (Posted by Euless Parks and Community Services)

Water Distribution | Lewisville FD

Public Water Stations ExtendedThe two public water stations available on a first-come basis, will be open on Sunday, Feb. 21, and Monday, Feb. 22, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., each day at the following locations.* Lewisville Animal Services, 995 E. Valley Ridge Blvd.* Lewisville Thrive, 1950 S. Valley Pkwy.Be sure to bring your own containers.Clean water is suitable for all uses, including drinking or bathing.

Water Pressure, Refilling Stations | City of San Angelo

In an effort to help our system regain water pressure and refill our water tanks, Mayor Gunter has asked San Angeloans to try not to use water tonight between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. Thank you all for everything you are doing for our community! We appreciate everyone’s assistance in helping conserve water.

Garbage – Refuge Alert || City of San Angelo

San Angelo – Due to high volumes of trash/recycling/bulk, customers may experience delays on pickup. Please leave your bins and items that need to be picked up by the curb or where your collection is usually located and Republic Services will get to it as soon as they can.

(c) 2021 NW Fire Blog – Updated 2/20/2021 2225 PT

We are starting to post situation reports on the extreme winter weather happening all across the State of Texas. We will also post separate reports for other impacted states.

This is for the State of Texas.

UPDATE 1 | FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 19, 2021

HARRIS COUNTY | The Harris County Precinct 4 team is distributing non-potable water to county residents in need from noon to 5 p.m. at the Barbara Bush Library (6817 Cypresswood Dr, Spring, TX 77379). Supplies are limited to 10 gallons per person, and recipients must bring their own appropriate container (milk jugs, ice chests, etc.). (Facebook – Spring Fire Department – 2/19/2021)

AMARILLO | WEATHER FORECAST | Sunny and warmer early this upcoming week and then a cold front will move through the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles by Wednesday morning. Wednesday will be breezy and cooler and then increasing cloudiness expected Wednesday night into Friday morning with skies becoming cloudy or mostly cloudy. There will be a slight chance for snow Thursday and then a slight chance for a rain and snow mix or light snow Friday morning. Clearing skies expected by Friday afternoon.

CITY OF BALLINGER | Message from Brian Frieda, Ballinger City Manager: The City of Ballinger is currently experiencing low water pressure issues. Today the city shut down 23 houses that had major issues. The city is asking that citizens help conserve water by only using it for the necessities. Currently, there is not a boiled water advisory in effect. As the ground and pipes thaw, the city is finding leaks. If you notice a vacant house, or an empty house, with water coming from it, please notify the city to call at(325) 365-3511. If you notice a leak after hours, contact Frieda on his cell phone: 325-242-5811. If you are unable to reach him, contact dispatch 325-365-2121. (Facebook – Ballinger FD – 2/19/2021)

CITY OF CORINTH | ONCOR (ELECTRICITY)

All hands on deck for 24/7 until all issues are resolved. Spreadsheets this morning and afternoon. Working to restore outages caused by storm damages. Reported around 300 this morning and rose to 700 with an outage in Corinth. Expect some outages as it warms up. (Facebook – City of Corinth Government – 2/19/2021)

CITY OF DENTON

City of DentonContinue to be under a boil water notice. Saw improvements and have begun testing. Hope to lift notice in the next 24 hours. (Facebook – City of Corinth Government – 2/19/2021)

CITY OF EARLY

There are no issues providing water to its customers and we do not anticipate there to be any issue in continuing to provide reliable water service. The water is completely safe to drink and use as normal. The City of Early water customers are NOT under a boil water advisory. Our public works department is working hard to stay on top of repairs to broken water mains so your water can keep flowing through this crisis. (Facebook – City of Early – 2/17/2021)

CITY OF HOUSTON

BARC | This cold weather is affecting everyone. BARC continues to respond to emergency calls and ensure its animals are cared for and remain safe. Due to conditions caused by the cold weather, BARC is closed to the public and is asking its partners to hold any animals they rescue until the current situation passes. We are all in this together- making sure our four-legged friends also make it through these challenging times.

BOIL WATER NOTICE

( Twitter – TX HHSC – 2/19/2021)

HOUSTON FD | has been responding to many Carbon Monoxide calls and reminds all anytime related to generators: HFD has responded to numerous calls related to carbon monoxide. DO NOT heat your home using a stove, oven, or grill. Only use generators outside. Always back your vehicle completely out of the garage before idling. (Facebook Page – Houston FD – 2/17/2021) and Houston Fire Department is assisting with water distribution. (Facebook – Houston FD – 2/19/2021)

CITY OF LAKE JACKSON

BROKEN PIPES | Broken pipes or water mains in your neighborhood? Please call 3-1-1 so Houston Public Workscan isolate the leak. It is essential we work together to conserve water during the #BoilWaterNotice. Please be patient if you experience longer than usual wait time. A report can also be submitted via the 3-1-1 website: https://www.houstontx.gov/311/ or the app: Houston311

EMERGENCY ALERTS | Sign up for Alerts via AlertHouston readyhoustontx.gov or Emergency Alerts – City of Houston Emergency Operations Center

CITY OF LUFKIN

BOIL WATER NOTICE | The City of Lufkin has issued a boil water notice due to decreased pressure in the water distribution system. Water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. We will notify customers when it is no longer necessary to boil the water. (Facebook – City of Lufkin, Texas – 2/19/2021)

III CORPS AND FORT HOOD

WARMING CENTER | The Warming Center at the Community Event Center on Fort Hood will be closed at 6:00am tomorrow, 20FEB. More than 50 military and civilian families spent time at peak; dozens of Soldiers warmed up too. Visits have dwindled as more off-post homes get electricity.

WATER FILING STATION |

Water Filling Station. Killeen will open a water filling station for residents without water service. It will be located at 805 W. Jasper. All water received must be BOILED. Bring own container and amounts may be limited Saturday and Sunday, 20/21 Feb 10 am-6pm

MWR FACILITIES-PROGRAMS | closed until Monday February 21 out of an abundance of safety and concern.

HARVEY GYM | Open for Active Duty from 0800-1400 hours Saturday an Sunday. Limited capacity in the effect.

CLEAR CREEK-WARRIOR WAY COMMISSARIES | Open Saturday, normal operating hours. Out of milk but expected delivery on Sunday. 2 cases of water limit.

EXCHANGE EXPRESS | All locations are out of fuel with Exceptions of the Clear Creek and Comanche Express locations. More fuel supposed to have been delivered Friday.

WATER USE | CONTINUE TO CONSERVE. Fort Hood is NOT under “BOIL WATER” notice (including off-post villages). Fort Hood is experiencing major stress on our water supply. To avoid potential widespread and lengthy water outage, our goal is to reduce our water use by 40% until we get through this unprecedented situation. Here’s what you can do to help urn off dripping faucets when the temperature reaches 30-degrees F. Only resume dripping when the temperature drops below 30-degrees.Drip faucets into containers, especially pots in case boil water notices are needed. Avoid using washing machines and dishwashers; appliances use a significant amount of water. Store 1-gallon of water per person per day for hygiene purposes.

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS | CLOSURES | UT campus will remain closed through at least Wednesday at 8 am. Classes will also be canceled with a few exceptions: utex.as/3dpp8O6 Like many of your residences, our campus facilities have been impacted by the weather and they are unlikely to be ready immediately for full operations after the thaw. We expect it will not be business-as-usual for a while and we will need to gradually restore both our physical space and campus operations, along with our research and learning plans. Website – emergency.utexas.edu (Facebook – Univ of Texas – 2/19/2021)

STATEWIDE

BREASTFEEDING MOMS | Patients displaced by the ice storm that need breastfeeding assistance can call the Lactation Support Hotline at 855-550-6667. This is a free service to all TX moms with latch, position, pumping, and more. (Twitter – TX HHSC – 2/19/2021)

CARBON MONOXIDE | Learn about the real dangers of carbon monoxide especially during extreme weather and how to protect yourself and those around you. Health Officials Alert Public to Carbon Monoxide Dangers (texas.gov) (Facebook – TX health and Human Services – 2/16/2021)

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT DATA | The Texas Division of Emergency Management is is working to collect damage assessment data from the public, so that they can identify the scale of the disaster and help officials assess the total statewide damages. Go to arcg.is/uOrOb or to tdem.texas.gov/warm (Twitter – TXDEM – posted 2/18/2021)

DISABILITIES | Thank you CrowdSource Rescue for your continued assistance throughout this Storm. If you are in need of bottled water and lack a way to get it, go to crowdsourcerescue.org/freeze to register for assistance. If you DO NOT have internet access you may dial 311 for help. (Facebook – The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities – 2/19/2021)

DONATIONS | Best way to help those in this State is providing funding or cash donations through a relief organization as the most efficient way. Best practices on their website: bit..ly/37qks6R (Twitter – Indiana Homeland Security – 2/17/2021)

INSURANCE TIPS | Insurance tips, protect yourself against fraud and what to do if you have damage done to your residence or structures. Insurance tips following winter storms (texas.gov) (Website – TX Department of Insurance – 2/19/2021)

RESOURCES | National Guard Members have helped bring 650+ Texans and their pets to safe locations and deliver 3,000+ cases of water, blankets, and other supplies to those in need. They are also helping with welfare checks and assisting in local warming stations. (Twitter – TX DEM – 2/19/2021).

NATURAL GAS DELIVERIES | The RRC continues its response to the winter storm and prioritize natural gas deliveries for human needs. Commissioners extended an emergency order this evening: http://ow.ly/XNJF50DDgfk (Twitter – RR Commission of TX – 2/17/2021)

INFRASTRUCTURE | Outage map for the State of Texas. Storm Safety Resource Page (texas.gov) (Public Utility Commission of Texas, Storm Resources – Website – 2/19/2021)

PRICE GOUGING | Texans who have encountered price gouging or other disaster scams are strongly encouraged to call their consumer Protection Hotline. 1-800-621-0508 or file an online complaint to txoag.force.com/CPDCOnlineForm (Twitter – Attorney General Ken Paxton – posted 2/16/2021)

EMERGENCY ALERTS | Texans can dial 2-1-1, Options 6 local community resources on health care, utilities, food housing and more. Website: Winter Weather Resources | Office of the Texas Governor | Greg Abbott (Twitter – Texas HHSC – Pinned 2/19/2021)

ROAD CONDITIONS | Contact by phone #1-800-452-9292. Website – https://drivetexas.org. (Twitter – TXDOT – 2/19/2021)

ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE/STRANDED DRIVERS | TX DPS | Call 800-525-5555 if you or a loved one is stranded on the roads. (Twitter – TX DPS – 2/15/2021)

FEDERAL | SCAM ALERTS | FEMA | Please beware of posts on social media encouraging you to call an 800 number for hotel compensation from @fema. The best information on legitimate sources of help in your area will come from local officials & @TDEM. (Twitter – TX DEM – 2/18/2021 / FEMA 2/18/2021)

INFRASTRUCTURE-DISTRIBUTION | The State is working around the clock to address four immediate winter priorities: 1) restore power, 2) Support local officials to restore water, 3) Ensure access to food and resources, 4) Get refineries back online. (Twitter – Gov Greg Abbott – 2/19/2021)

WARMING STATIONS | | To find the nearest warming station, go to this site for more information. Warming Centers – TDEM (texas.gov) (Twitter – Texas Government – 2/16/2021)

(c) 2021 NW Fire Blog – Updated 2/19/2021 09:11pm