City preparing for cold weather conditions

City preparing for cold weather conditions

With temperatures expected to fall tonight and tomorrow, the City of Dallas is reminding residents to be prepared for changing weather conditions.

“City of Dallas and City Square street outreach teams have visited the three larger homeless encampments to ensure the residents there are aware of the upcoming weather event and informed about shelter opportunities. The teams also assess the needs for coats and blankets,” said Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance President & CEO Cindy J. Crain.

The City is continuing to receive updates from National Weather Service and encourages everyone to be aware of any symptoms of cold-related effects including:

  • Confusion or sleepiness
  • Slowed, slurred speech, or shallow breathing
  • Weak pulse
  • Change in behavior or in the way a person looks
  • A lot of shivering or no shivering; stiffness in the arms or legs
  • Poor control over body movements or slow reactions

Persons with children under age five, adults over 60, Persons without heat, persons that work or exercise outdoors and homeless populations should take extra care in watching for any of these symptoms and take actions to avoid additional negative health effects.

All City of Dallas recreation center are designated as “warming centers” during normal hours. Managers of warming centers will talk to people who come in to escape the extended cold and determine if they might need overnight shelter.  They will recommend staying with friends, relatives, or motels.

Here are some additional facilities for anyone needing shelter from the cold:

  • Martin Luther King Jr.  Community Center
    • 2922 Martin Luther King Jr.  Blvd.
    • Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday
  • West Dallas Multipurpose Center
    • 2828 Fish Trap Road
    • Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday

Salvation Army Centers that are open seven days a week:

  • Carr P.  Collins Social Services Center   (Parkland Hospital Area)
    • 5302 Harry Hines Blvd.
    • Dallas, TX  75235
    • (214) 424-7000

These Salvation Army Community Centers are open Monday – Friday   9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

  • Dallas Temple (Love Field Area)
    • 6500 Harry Hines Blvd.
    • Dallas, TX  75235
    • (214) 956-6025
  • Cedar Crest (East Oak Cliff)
    • 1007 Hutchins Road
    • Dallas, TX  75203
    • (214) 941-7404
  • Oak Cliff
    • 1617 W.  Jefferson
    • Dallas, TX  75208
    • (214) 941-5911 or (214) 941-5914
  • Pleasant Grove (Balch Springs Area)
    • 8341 Elam Road
    • Dallas, Texas 75217
    • (214) 398-6619

Precipitation is forecast to be south of Interstate 20 however weather can change quickly. Do not leave anyone, including pets, inside a car as temperatures can drop dangerously, and provide shelter for pets. Do not leave your car running unsupervised as this could make you a target for theft.

Allow extra time for travel during inclement weather and maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Be sure to pack some safety items in your vehicle in case you get stuck. Examples of these items can be found at www.ready.gov.

Simple tips and supplies will help keep anyone safe on the road when winter weather strikes. Stay off the roads when possible. Follow travel advisories from your local emergency or government officials. If you must travel, take it slow.

For more information about how to prepare for weather emergencies visit www.DallasEmergencyManagement.com.

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