As a winter storm sweeps through the Houston area, residents are bracing for potential freezing rain and sleet. Those who must venture out will do so with caution, while others will hunker down at home to ride out the storm.
The key to staying safe inside your home is being aware of the risks associated with prolonged heating system use. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, carbon monoxide poisoning can occur when furnaces, stoves, or heaters are used for extended periods. As carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, its presence may not be immediately apparent.
Dr. Alex Harding, an assistant professor of emergency medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, warns that the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can range from mild headaches to loss of consciousness and seizures. He emphasizes the importance of taking precautions when using alternative heating sources like portable generators or running cars in garages to stay warm.
While staying indoors is generally the safest option, those exposed to frigid temperatures are at risk of developing hypothermia. This condition occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, and prolonged exposure can lead to serious complications.
Dr. Harding notes that vulnerable populations such as people with disabilities or homeless individuals may face significant challenges in finding warm and safe places to stay during the storm.
For those who must venture out, warming centers throughout the Houston area are available for shelter and assistance. The following list includes some of the warming centers that will be open on Saturday:
- Harris County Precinct One: Lincoln Park Community Center
- Harris County Precinct Two: Deputy Darren Almendarez Community Center
- Harris County Precinct Four: Bayland Community Center
- City of Houston: Acres Homes Multi-service Center, Denver Harbor Multi-service Center, Fifth Ward MSC, Fondé CC, Kashmere MSC, Magnolia MSC, Metropolitan MSC, Moody MSC, Northeast MSC, Southwest MSC, Sunnyside MSC, Third Ward MSC
Additionally, the Salvation Army in Freeport and Believers Sanctuary in Alvin will offer shelter starting Saturday at 5 p.m. sharp.
Residents are advised to check with local authorities for updates on warming center hours of operation, as they may be subject to change.
The key to staying safe inside your home is being aware of the risks associated with prolonged heating system use. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, carbon monoxide poisoning can occur when furnaces, stoves, or heaters are used for extended periods. As carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless, its presence may not be immediately apparent.
Dr. Alex Harding, an assistant professor of emergency medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, warns that the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can range from mild headaches to loss of consciousness and seizures. He emphasizes the importance of taking precautions when using alternative heating sources like portable generators or running cars in garages to stay warm.
While staying indoors is generally the safest option, those exposed to frigid temperatures are at risk of developing hypothermia. This condition occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, and prolonged exposure can lead to serious complications.
Dr. Harding notes that vulnerable populations such as people with disabilities or homeless individuals may face significant challenges in finding warm and safe places to stay during the storm.
For those who must venture out, warming centers throughout the Houston area are available for shelter and assistance. The following list includes some of the warming centers that will be open on Saturday:
- Harris County Precinct One: Lincoln Park Community Center
- Harris County Precinct Two: Deputy Darren Almendarez Community Center
- Harris County Precinct Four: Bayland Community Center
- City of Houston: Acres Homes Multi-service Center, Denver Harbor Multi-service Center, Fifth Ward MSC, Fondé CC, Kashmere MSC, Magnolia MSC, Metropolitan MSC, Moody MSC, Northeast MSC, Southwest MSC, Sunnyside MSC, Third Ward MSC
Additionally, the Salvation Army in Freeport and Believers Sanctuary in Alvin will offer shelter starting Saturday at 5 p.m. sharp.
Residents are advised to check with local authorities for updates on warming center hours of operation, as they may be subject to change.
anyway yeah it's crazy how ppl don't know about carbon monoxide poisoning and hypothermia can be super bad if u're not careful 
I feel 4 those homeless ppl or ppl w/ disabilities who r gonna struggle 2 find warm shelter during the storm they should def have more options available 
my friend Ryan's cousin is a nurse and she's saying that warming centers r a big help but u gotta check the hours first cuz they might change 
. I'm not gonna lie, the thought of being cooped up at home with no heat is super scary 
. But it's also a reminder that there are people who don't have that luxury 
. The warming centers are a lifesaver, but we should also be checking on our neighbors 
. Maybe they don't know about these resources or can't make it to the shelters 
. Just saying, it's not just about us, right? 
... like, I'm all for staying indoors and being safe, but what about those people who have no heat in their homes? my friend's cousin lives in a van and stuff, i feel so bad for her 
... shouldn't the city be doing more to help ppl out? like, warming centers are a good start, but what about ppl with disabilities or homeless individuals who might need more than just a place to warm up? 
shouldn't there be like, portable heaters or something for them? and what's up with carbon monoxide poisoning? i mean, it's not even a problem you can smell 
... why did they have to make this stuff so invisible?!
So they're worried about freezing rain and sleet, but what about the carbon monoxide poisoning? Like, come on, it's a serious thing that can kill you! And don't even get me started on hypothermia - if you're gonna venture out, make sure you've got the right gear or you'll be in big trouble. 
. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that no one gets hurt in this storm 
.
. but if u gotta venture out, warming centers r available 
like the ones listed in houston, they got ur back! just dont forget to bundle up, fam 
hypothermia is real too, so be careful not 2 freeze yer buns off 