Staff Report
HAYS COUNTY -- As the community prepares for the anticipated extreme weather conditions, Hays County is partnering with local municipalities and nonprofit organizations to open designated warming centers.
The criteria for these centers are that they are opened when the temperature reaches 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower and power has been out for eight or more hours in the affected area, according to a press release signed by Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra.
Located at 518 S. Guadalupe Street in San Marcos, the Southside Community Center activates its Winter Emergency Shelter when temperatures drop below 35 degrees Fahrenheit for more than three consecutive hours. The shelter opens at 7 p.m. and closes at 9 a.m. the following day, reopening at noon if freezing conditions persist. It offers 40 cots on a first-come, first-served basis, provides free evening meals at 4 p.m. and breakfast at 8 a.m. and allows leashed, non-aggressive pets to stay with their owners.
The shelter will be open beginning Saturday, Jan. 24.
The county does not provide transportation to warming centers, the release stated.
In addition to the warming centers, the Hays County Office of Emergency Services will provide CERT support along with water resources; the Hays County Transportation Department will sand major intersections, bridges and more; and school districts are on standby to assist with deploying buses to assisted living centers for warming in the event of loss of power.
Hays County will notify the public about shelter activations and updates through the following:
- Warn Central Texas (Reverse 911)
- www.HaysInformed.com
- Official county social media platforms
- Message boards or city-owned billboards throughout the county
Residents may also call 512.938.1600 which will provide updates or visit haysinformed.com for updates to the opening of warming centers and road closures. Municipality activations may be different from the county, so residents are asked to contact local municipalities for more information.
