Civic Center Continues To Serve As Warming Center For Those Without Heat; Rides To Civic Center Available For Those Who Need To Get Warm
Power continues to be an issue for many across the state Tuesday. The numbers in Hopkins County increased from 3,109 Oncor customers and 28 Farmers Electric customers without power at 12:10 p.m.. Feb. 16 to 4,155 Oncor customers and 951 FEC customers without power in Hopkins County at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 16. Oncor cites poor grid conditions as cause for extended rather than rolling power outages for many across the state. Oncor posted the following emergency alert on the Oncor power outage map Tuesday regarding the situation:
Due to ongoing record-low temperatures and generation, ERCOT has continued to direct Oncor and utilities across the state to drop power load through maintained controlled outages. These controlled outages are occurring across the state and the entire Oncor service territory. Oncor was able to rotate some outages overnight, but poor grid conditions have continued to prevent us and other utilities from rotating, or rolling, the entirety of these outages, leading to extended periods without power for many of our customers. At this time, ERCOT is unable to predict when grid conditions will stabilize, and urge all customers to be prepared for extended outages to continue. We also urge customers to prioritize the safety of themselves, their loved ones and their neighbors. Many local counties have also opened warming stations or shelters, which can be located online or by calling 211.Oncor Emergency Alert
With another storm predicted later today, the number of customers who do not have power is likely to increase. Those who can are asked to remain home and encouraged to check on neighbors, especially the elderly.
Hopkins County Civic Center was opened at 5 p.m. Monday and will continue to be open and serve as a warming shelter for anyone who does not have power and needs a place to get warm. The facility served 23 people last night, and about that many at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 16, according to Sheriff Lewis Tatum.
According to City Manager Marc Maxwell, anyone in the county who needs a ride to the Civic Center to warm up may call Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office at 903-438-4040 to request a ride. Maxwell said it may take a little while for someone to get to them due to the conditions and emergency calls officials are responding to, but someone will come if requested as soon as safely possible.
Civic Center Manager Lonnie Fox said there’s a warm room designated at the facility for people who do not have heat to go during the outages and bad weather conditions. He recommends those who do take advantage of the warming center to bring anything they will need with them, including nonperishable food items, bedding materials such as blankets.
