February 16, 2021



Dear Friend,

I hope you and your family are staying safe and warm during this historic winter storm we’re experiencing here in Texas. Your health and safety are so important to me, so I wanted to make sure you have the information you need to weather the storm safely.

Stay Warm

If you are without heat, you should seek shelter immediately. The Kay Bailey Hutchison Center is open and heated. If you need assistance finding a warming center, you can call 211 Texas by dialing 2-1-1 or (877) 541-7905 for location information and here is a list of centers that are currently open.

To keep warm during a power outage, the National Weather Service recommends the below tips.

Stay Home

Whenever possible, for your safety and that of our first responders, please stay inside and off the roads. Icy conditions make driving extremely dangerous. Local authorities are urging people to stay off the roads unless it is absolutely necessary. If you cannot avoid road travel during the storm, please follow these tips.

Reduce your Use

North Texas is still experiencing extended and rolling blackouts due to overwhelming demand for electricity during these record cold temperatures. If you do still have power, authorities are asking everyone to do their part to reduce electricity use by following some simple tips like turning your thermostat down to 68 degrees, blocking doorway and window drafts with towels, and unplugging unused devices. If you don’t have power, energy providers are also recommending you turn off lights and unplug appliances to avoid surges as power is restored. 

I know there are many unanswered questions and I will press for answers on preparedness when the time is right. At this moment, there are many North Texans still without heat or power and we must work together to get through this. Please reach out to your neighbors and friends who live alone, especially the elderly, who may need extra assistance during this time. 

My team is here to connect you with local resources and to assist with your questions at (972) 972-7949. Follow me on Twitter @RepColinAllred for updates and more helpful information. For more information on power outages, you can contact Oncor at (888) 313-4747.

Sincerely,

Colin Allred
Member of Congress

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