HOUSTON – The City of Houston has released the numbers of emergency responses during the January 15-17 arctic blast.
The City partnered with nonprofits like Lakewood Church, YMCA Greater Houston, the R.O.C.K. church, the American Red Cross, and the Houston Food Bank, as well as organizations like METRO and z-Trip to transport and warm nearly 2,000 people from January 15-17.
At 2 p.m. Wednesday, the City of Houston closed warming center operations, with temperatures well above freezing and no threat of ice in the immediate forecast.
I am immensely proud to be part of this City. From the employees and partner organizations to the resilient neighbors and community leaders, we demonstrated what it means to be Houston strong, said Thomas Muñoz, Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Houston Office of Emergency Management. The acts of kindness, self-sacrifice, and devotion for those who are in the greatest need will always remind me what makes Houston a national example in responding and recovering from disaster events.
During the arctic blast, the Houston Police Department (HPD) responded to 123 confirmed weather-related crashes out of the 372 reported crashes. They also handled 300 traffic hazard calls, 83 reports of ice on roadways, 25 Tow and Go calls, and 95 animal cruelty calls. Additionally, there were four deceased individuals, and the cause of death is yet to be determined by the Medical Examiner.
The Houston Fire Department (HFD) responded to 34 medical events related to the cold weather, 18 carbon monoxide calls, 110 home or building fires, and 355 car crashes, including 15 that required extrication.
The 311 call center coordinated at least 345 free rides to and from warming centers, ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents. The Houston Public Works received multiple service requests, including 655 water service requests, 420 water leak reports, 156 water main valve issues, 124 traffic signal maintenance requests, and 108 sewer wastewater concerns. The Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care (BARC) addressed 174 calls related to animal welfare.
Reflecting on the emergency response efforts, Thomas Muñoz emphasized the unity and resilience of the community. The City of Houston’s collaboration with various organizations and nonprofits played a crucial role in providing shelter and transportation to nearly 2,000 individuals affected by the arctic blast.
As Houston emerges from the freeze, the focus now shifts to recovery and ensuring that repairs are made promptly. The Houston Water department has dealt with 182 work orders for water leaks and successfully completed 107 repairs. The remaining repairs have scheduled dates. There are currently no open requests for road treatments, and water production and pressures remain stable across the system. However, the department has noted an increase in demand due to private and public water leaks.
In these challenging times, Houston has showcased its resilience and strength as a community. The kindness, self-sacrifice, and dedication demonstrated by employees, organizations, and residents alike serve as a reminder of what it truly means to be Houston strong. By working together and supporting one another, the city will move forward on the path to recovery, knowing that it has set a national example for effective emergency response and recovery.
