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Austin-Travis County, Williamson County activate additional warming centers Thursday morning

Community shelters are opening at 9 a.m. on Thursday to provide warmth and a place to recharge.

AUSTIN, Texas — The City of Austin and Travis County have activated their Emergency Operations Center as the region prepares for severe and cold weather on Thursday and Friday.

“The entire city is getting ready for the impending weather, and we’re doing everything we can to make sure we’re prepared,” said Juan Ortiz, director for the City of Austin’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. “The City and County are working together to make sure every resident has the information and resources they need to stay safe during this event.”

Community warming centers will be activated on Thursday beginning at 9 a.m.

“We want to provide residents in need with a place to warm up, charge their electronics and have a safe place to sleep,” said Parks and Recreation Department Director Kimberly McNeely.

The following community shelters will be operating 24 hours a day for as long as conditions dictate. Individuals sheltering will be offered the opportunity to remain during the day and the upcoming nights.

  • Dove Springs Recreation Center - 5801 Ainez Drive Austin, TX 78744 
  • Dittmar Recreation Center - 1009 W. Dittmar Road, Austin, TX 78748 
  • Gus Garcia Recreation Center - 1201 E. Rundberg Lane, Austin, TX 78753 
  • *Givens Recreation Center - 3811 E. 12th St., Austin, TX 78721 
  • Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center - 2608 Gonzales St., Austin TX 78702 

NOTE: As of Thursday evening, the Givens Recreation Center is at capacity.

Additionally, the following daytime warming centers will be open on Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for those needing to warm up and charge their electronic devices during the day.

  • Cowan Elementary - 2817 Kentish Drive, Austin, TX 78748  
  • Wooten Elementary - 1406 Dale Drive, Austin, TX 78757 

The cold weather shelters are in addition to warming centers for people experiencing homelessness that were activated on Wednesday night, Feb. 2, at One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Road.

The Williamson County Sheriff's Office has also opened a warming and charging center at its location on 508 Rock St. in Georgetown for those without power.

The Austin Disaster Relief Network (ADRN) said it is also working with city and county officials to keep local residents safe and warm. The organization said its trained volunteers are ready to support the City's efforts in taking people to shelters and help with other needs related to the winter storm. 

"We're grateful that we're not experiencing power outages and water problems like we did last year during Winter Storm Uri," ADRN Executive Director Daniel Geraci said in a release. "But if the situation changes and the city gets overwhelmed by requests for help, we’re ready to respond. We’re in close communication with local officials to support efforts like transportation and staffing shelters and provide emergency goods and supplies. ADRN volunteers will go into action as soon as we’re needed.”

ADRN said it has distributed blankets and about 100 hygiene kits to partner organizations.

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