EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) – El Paso residents are facing extremely cold conditions Sunday night that will continue into Monday. This comes after ABC-7 issued a preliminary Stormtrack Weather Alert earlier this week to prepare you for freezing temperatures.
Here are some tips to help you stay warm:
- Collect. A nice, warm sweater or coat is always essential, but it's not the only thing you should keep with you when the temperatures drop. Accessories like warm hats, gloves, scarves, shoes, etc. are important, because experts say you can lose body heat through any exposed parts of the body. Also, layers are always a good idea.
- Weatherproof your home. Pipes can freeze during cold weather. To help prevent this from happening, you can flush toilets frequently, and run faucets to keep water circulating through those pipes. Additionally, if you have any exposed pipes outside, you can cover them with something to help insulate them.
- Prepare your vehicles. In the event of an emergency, it's best to make sure your vehicles are stored and ready. Make sure you have a full tank of gas, replace the windshield wiper fluid with a winter mixture, and keep an emergency kit. This kit should include jackets, blankets, snacks, water, a flashlight, chargers, extra sets of clothing, a first aid kit, and anything else you might need in case you get stuck.
- Keep your pets indoors.
You can read more in-depth information and safety tips about winter weather on the CDC's Natural Disasters and Severe Weather page.
Another aspect to consider when facing extreme cold conditions is which groups are most vulnerable to the dangers posed by the elements.
El Paso's homeless population
ABC-7 crews saw several homeless people around El Paso on Sunday. The Opportunity Center for the Homeless — a network of local homeless shelters — said they are doing everything they can for El Paso's homeless community, especially in dangerous weather conditions like the ones we experienced Sunday night.
“We're doing everything we can to not say no and to be able to bring them in from outside,” said John Martin, the center's director. “For those who want to live on the streets, they will tell you themselves that it is much easier to stay cool than to stay warm.”
Because of this fact, the center is asking the community for donations.
“The main items we need at this point, because of the cold climate, will be blankets, will be sleeping bags…any type of cold weather clothing,” Martin said. “But also keep in mind that no matter the temperature, we have hygiene needs.”
Donations can be made to the center at 1208 Myrtle Ave. in South Central El Paso, preferably on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. However, if you need to drop off donations outside of those hours, Martin asks that you call the center at 915.-577-0069 in advance to schedule a drop off.
Pets
ABC-7 spoke with several people around El Paso on Sunday, who wanted to remind the community to protect their pets from the cold.
“I think jackets are really important for dogs with short, thin coats… who mostly stay inside, I think it's really important for them to have something,” said Agneprav Banerjee, an Elpasoan resident and dog owner.
Just like humans, freezing temperatures can be life-threatening to animals that have been living outside in such conditions for a very long time.
It is best to keep pets indoors. If they are exposed to the cold for any reason – even for a short period of time – it is worth bundling them in any way possible. If not for jackets and jackets; Old clothes, socks, blankets, and towels also work.
Where you can donate
In addition to the Opportunity Center for the Homeless (see above), there are other local homeless and animal shelters that are always open for donations:
