Mid City Times

The arctic blast has arrived in Fort Worth, bringing dangerously cold temperatures and the potential for snow and ice impacts. As residents prepare for the cold weather storm, it's important to stay safe and informed. Here are some tips and resources to help navigate through the weekend.

Firstly, it is crucial to be aware of the available emergency shelters in the area. Presbyterian Night Shelter and Union Gospel Mission are prepared to serve individuals on cold nights. If these shelters reach full capacity, individuals will be relocated to available overflow beds at additional emergency shelter locations. True Worth Place is also a valuable resource for adults experiencing homelessness during the daytime.

The Salvation Army, despite their shelter being under construction, is providing essential items such as bus passes, hygiene kits, coats, hats, gloves, and warm blankets for those in need. These items are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. To receive text alerts about Fort Worth cold weather shelter, residents can simply text FWCOLD to 877-241-3544.

To avoid cold-weather health problems like frostbite and hypothermia, it is important to take precautions. When exposed to cold temperatures, the body loses heat faster than it can be produced. Signs and symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, and slurred speech. It is crucial to bundle up in warm clothing, stay indoors as much as possible, and limit exposure to the cold.

Additionally, it is important to be cautious when using alternate heating sources. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a significant risk during the winter months. Medstar, a local emergency medical service, treated 27 patients for carbon monoxide poisoning last year. The most common months for these cases were January and February. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, operate all gasoline-powered devices outdoors and never bring them indoors. This includes gas-powered heaters, stoves, and grills.

Elderly individuals and those with chronic illnesses are particularly vulnerable to hypothermia. It is essential to check on older friends and relatives frequently during cold spells to ensure they are acting normally and have appropriate heating.

In terms of infrastructure, Fort Worth Water advises residents to take steps to prevent water pipes from freezing and bursting. It is recommended to learn how to shut off the water to your location in case of emergencies. If a frozen pipe is detected, it is safest to call a plumber to handle the problem, as attempting to thaw the pipe yourself may cause it to burst.

When it comes to road safety, the City of Fort Worth is well-prepared. The Transportation and Public Works department closely monitors severe weather and coordinates with the City's Office of Emergency Management and first responders. Sanding crews are placed on standby when the forecast calls for ice, snow, sleet, or freezing rain. The city has a fleet of 30 trucks that can carry 6-10 cubic yards of sand-salt mixture to be applied on icy pavement. Spotters survey road conditions before sanding activities begin, ensuring the most critical areas, such as hospital entrances and bridges, are prioritized.

It is important to note that neighborhood streets will not be sanded. However, the City of Fort Worth has implemented a pretreatment program and will pretreat roads with a saltwater brine at limited locations.

Lastly, Fort Worth Animal Care & Control offers a cold-weather checklist to keep pets safe during the arctic blast. This includes providing adequate shelter, keeping pets indoors as much as possible, and ensuring they have access to fresh water that is not frozen.

As Fort Worth braces for the arctic blast, it is crucial to stay informed, take necessary precautions, and utilize the available resources to ensure the safety and well-being of both residents and animals.