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Galveston County: How To Stay Safe and Alert in Cold Weather

Galveston County Officials Urge Residents to Prepare for Freezing Weather
Galveston County, Texas — With freezing temperatures expected early next week, the Galveston County Health District is calling on residents to take proactive measures to protect their health, homes, and loved ones. Officials emphasize the risks of cold-related health conditions, power outages, and potential winter storms, urging everyone to plan ahead for the winter weather.
Health Risks in Freezing Weather
Freezing temperatures can lead to hypothermia, frostbite, and respiratory complications. Hypothermia occurs when body heat is lost faster than it can be generated, causing dangerously low body temperatures. Early warning signs include:
- Shivering
- Poor coordination or clumsiness
- Pale or blue-tinted skin
- Impaired judgment
If untreated, hypothermia can result in unconsciousness or death. Frostbite can also occur in freezing conditions, causing numbness, discoloration, and tissue damage to exposed skin.
To minimize these risks, dress in warm layers, protect extremities with gloves and scarves, and stay dry.
Power Outage Preparedness
Power outages are a common risk during winter storms. County officials advise residents to:
- Ensure backup power for life-saving devices, such as ventilators and dialysis machines, by notifying utility companies and fire departments in advance.
- Keep extra batteries for essential medical equipment and have a manual wheelchair available as a backup for motorized ones.
- Test generators, store fuel safely, and operate them outdoors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Winterizing Your Home
To protect your home and pipes from freezing temperatures:
- Wrap exposed pipes and outdoor faucets.
- Open under-sink cabinets to allow warm air to circulate.
- Disconnect and drain irrigation systems.
- Heat one room to conserve energy and use thermal curtains, rugs, and draft excluders to retain heat.
Special Considerations for Vulnerable Populations
Infants, seniors, individuals with chronic conditions, and those with respiratory illnesses are at higher risk in cold weather. Officials recommend:
- Keeping a supply of medications and medical devices, such as inhalers and oxygen tanks, on hand.
- Warming the air with a scarf or mask to ease breathing in cold conditions.
Emergency Assistance Available
Residents who are medically dependent on electricity or need special assistance during disasters are encouraged to register for the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR).
How to Register:
- Visit stear.texas.gov or call 2-1-1.
- Provide important details about medical or mobility needs.
- Update your information if circumstances change.
Stay Informed
Galveston County is prepared to activate warming centers in the event of widespread power outages. Updates will be provided through official channels, including the U.S. National Weather Service.
County officials remind residents to limit travel during icy or snowy conditions and to prioritize safety. For more information and updates, follow the Galveston County Health District and other trusted sources. Stay safe and prepared!