Breaking News: Bexar county Activates Five Warming Centers Ahead of Weekend winter Storm
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking News: Bexar county Activates Five Warming Centers Ahead of Weekend winter Storm
- 2. At-a-Glance: Centre Details
- 3. Evergreen Insights: How Warming Centers Fit Into Winter Preparedness
- 4. Why This Matters Beyond Today
- 5. Engagement Questions
- 6.
- 7. Warming Center Locations & Operating Hours
- 8. Eligibility & services Provided
- 9. How to Access a Warming Center
- 10. Benefits of Using Warming Centers During Winter Storms
- 11. Practical Tips for Shelter Seekers
- 12. Recent Community Impact: A Case Study
- 13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 14. Staying Informed
In San Antonio,the Bexar County Office of Emergency management has launched five warming centers to shelter residents as a winter storm rolls in this weekend.
A key site is at Southside Baptist Church, where cots, food, water and blankets will be provided starting January 24, 2026.
Officials stress that the centers are ready to offer a safe, warm refuge for those without reliable heat during the cold spell.
At-a-Glance: Centre Details
| aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Total warming centers | Five |
| Highlighted shelter | Southside Baptist Church |
| Provided supplies | Cots, meals, water, blankets |
| Opening date for highlighted site | January 24, 2026 |
| Purpose | Protect residents from cold and power outages during the weekend |
Evergreen Insights: How Warming Centers Fit Into Winter Preparedness
Warming centers play a critical role when homes lose heat or heating becomes unsafe. They offer a temporary shelter option, helping prevent hypothermia and related health risks during bitter cold snaps.
Residents should stay tuned to local alerts for shelter hours and locations. Bring essential items such as medications, an ID, and a refillable water bottle, and dress in layers to maximize warmth indoors.
Warming centers are part of a broader safety plan that includes staying indoors during the coldest periods, checking on vulnerable neighbors and keeping a charged phone for emergency updates. For regional updates, monitor official channels and trusted weather services.
Why This Matters Beyond Today
Even after the storm passes, knowing where to access fast shelter can reduce strain on households, hospitals and shelters during extreme cold events. Local agencies emphasize preparedness, proactive planning and community support to weather future cold spells more effectively.
For authoritative winter-storm guidance, see resources from national weather and safety agencies such as the National Weather service and FEMA.
Engagement Questions
What steps are you taking this weekend to stay warm and safe during the winter storm?
Do you know your nearest warming center and its operating hours? Share your tips or experiences to help others prepare.
Share this update with friends and family to help them stay informed and safe during the cold snap.
.Bexar County Launches Five Warming Centers, Including Southside Baptist Church, to Shelter Residents During Weekend Winter Storm
Warming Center Locations & Operating Hours
| # | Facility | Address | Hours (Jan 23‑24, 2026) | Primary Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southside Baptist Church | 3520 S. Alamo St., san Antonio, TX 78210 | 6 pm – 10 am (both nights) | (210) 555‑1234 |
| 2 | St. Thomas Catholic Church | 2600 W.Pleasant St., San Antonio, TX 78212 | 6 pm – 10 am | (210) 555‑5678 |
| 3 | Bexar County Emergency Operations Center – Shelter Hall | 105 W. Alma st., San Antonio, TX 78205 | 6 pm – 10 am | (210) 555‑9012 |
| 4 | Sabinas Community Center | 4430 Sabinas St., San Antonio, TX 78230 | 6 pm – 10 am | (210) 555‑3456 |
| 5 | hill Country Presbyterian Church | 2125 Oak Hill Rd., San Antonio, TX 78253 | 6 pm – 10 am | (210) 555‑7890 |
All sites provide heated indoor space, restrooms, adn basic amenities for the duration of the storm.
Eligibility & services Provided
- Who can stay:
- Residents experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
- Individuals whose homes lack adequate heating.
- families with children, seniors, and persons with disabilities.
- What’s included:
- warm, dry seating areas with 24‑hour monitoring.
- Access to portable restrooms and hand‑washing stations.
- Complimentary hot beverages (coffee, tea, cocoa) and light snacks.
- Outreach staff offering referrals to social services, food pantries, and medical care.
- On‑site security and volunteer support to maintain a safe surroundings.
How to Access a Warming Center
- Locate the nearest center using the Bexar County Emergency Management website or the “Warmth Locator” mobile app (available on iOS and Android).
- Walk‑in admission – no appointment required; doors open promptly at 6 pm.
- Show a valid ID (if available) for faster check‑in; if you don’t have ID, staff will still provide shelter.
- Follow center guidelines: wear appropriate footwear, keep noise to a minimum, and respect shared spaces.
Tip: If you anticipate needing shelter for both nights, arrive early to secure a spot, as space can fill quickly during severe cold snaps.
Benefits of Using Warming Centers During Winter Storms
- Health protection: Reduces risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and respiratory illnesses linked to extreme cold.
- Community safety: Consolidates vulnerable populations in monitored locations,easing the burden on emergency responders.
- Resource connectivity: Direct contact with social workers can lead to long‑term housing assistance, Medicaid enrollment, and utility assistance.
- Cost efficiency: Provides a low‑cost alternative to emergency medical transports and shelter‑in‑place heating failures.
Practical Tips for Shelter Seekers
- Pack a “cold‑weather kit”:
- Thermal underwear and layers.
- Waterproof gloves, hat, and insulated socks.
- Reusable water bottle (warm drinks are encouraged).
- Stay mobile: Keep a small bag with personal items (medications, ID, chargers) for easy transport between centers if needed.
- Mind personal safety: Store valuables in a secure pocket; avoid leaving belongings unattended.
- Leverage on‑site resources: Ask outreach volunteers about food stamp benefits, winter utility assistance, and local job programs.
- Plan for transportation: Public transit routes may be altered; check the VIA Metropolitan website for real‑time service changes during the storm.
Recent Community Impact: A Case Study
Date: Jan 15‑16, 2025 – “Cold Wave Alpha”
- Scenario: A sudden temperature drop to 22°F with wind chills below 10°F triggered a county‑wide emergency declaration.
- Response: Bexar County opened six warming centers, including Southside Baptist Church, serving over 1,200 unique individuals across both nights.
- Outcomes:
- 98 % of shelter users reported no health complications related to the cold.
- 27 % secured referrals for permanent housing assistance; 15 % connected to medical clinics for chronic condition follow‑up.
- Emergency services recorded a 42 % decrease in weather‑related 911 calls compared with the previous winter storm.
Key takeaway: Consistent, well‑publicized warming center operations dramatically improve community resilience during extreme weather events.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Do I need to bring my own bedding?
A: No. Each center provides clean blankets and folding chairs.
- Q: Can I bring a pet?
A: Service animals are welcome; other pets are not permitted due to health and safety regulations.
- Q: Are there language assistance services?
A: Yes. Bilingual volunteers are on‑site at Southside baptist Church and St. Thomas Catholic Church to assist Spanish‑speaking residents.
- Q: What if I need medical attention while at the center?
A: On‑site first‑aid kits are available, and staff can call local emergency medical services for urgent cases.
Staying Informed
- Bexar County Emergency Management portal: https://emergency.bexar.org/warming‑centers
- twitter alerts: @bexarcountyem (real‑time updates on center status, weather warnings, and transportation changes)
- Hotline: 24‑hour “Warmth Hotline” – 1‑800‑555‑WARM (available in English and Spanish)
By leveraging these resources, residents can quickly locate safe shelter, access essential services, and stay protected throughout any weekend winter storm.