In the wake of the recent storm, we have gathered essential information and resources to help the community navigate the aftermath. Many Houston residents are still without power due to the extensive damage caused by the storm, including fallen trees, downed power lines, and broken windows. As temperatures rise, it's crucial to find ways to stay cool and safe, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and young children.
Power Outages
CenterPoint Energy is responsible for infrastructure and updates during outages, even though your retail electricity provider (e.g., Reliant, Just Energy) might also provide information.
To check the status of outages and get updates, visit CenterPoint's outage tracker.
Safety Tips
Install battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors on each level of your home.
Operate generators, camp stoves, and charcoal grills outdoors and at least 20 feet from windows.
Disconnect appliances and electronics to prevent damage.
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to maintain cold temperatures; use coolers with ice if needed.
Food Safety
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), a refrigerator will keep food safe for up to four hours during a power outage. Keep the door closed as much as possible and discard perishable food after four hours.
A full freezer maintains a safe temperature for 48 hours, and for 24 hours if it is half full and the door remains closed.
Do not taste food to determine its safety; evaluate each item separately.
Fallen Trees
If a tree has fallen on your home, submit a service request through the City of Houston’s website. The Office of Emergency Management is handling these requests following the storm.
Harris County residents should report damage via the state's self-reporting damage assessment tool to assist in determining eligibility for state and federal disaster declarations.
Insurance Claims
Document the damage with photos, videos, and notes.
Contact your insurance company to file a claim. Refer to resources for guidance on the type of damage covered by insurance.
City of Houston Cooling Centers (11 am to 7 pm):
Almeda Community Center
Bessie Swindle Community Center
Beverly Hills Community Center
Carverdale Community Center
Cherryhurst Community Center
Clark Community Center
Crestmont Community Center
Eastwood Community Center
Edgewood Community Center
Garden Villas Community Center
Godwin Community Center
Hackberry Fitness Center
Highland Community Center
Hobart Taylor Community Center
Independence Heights Community Center
Linkwood Community Center
Meadowcreek Community Center
Platou Community Center
Proctor Plaza Community Center
River Oaks Community Center
Settegast Community Center
Swiney Community Center
Windsor Village Community Center
City of Houston Cooling Centers (12 pm to 8 pm):
Alief Community Center
Denver Harbor Community Center
Emancipation Community Center
Fonde Community Center
Hartman Community Center
Judson Robinson, Sr. Community Center
Kendall Community Center
Love Community Center
Marian Community Center
Moody Community Center
Sharpstown Community Center
Sunnyside Community Center
Tidwell Community Center
Townwood Community Center
HISD Resources
The Houston Independent School District and the Houston Food Bank are offering assistance to families recovering from the storm. Free food and cleaning supplies will be distributed at the following locations:
Tuesday, May 21:
Key Middle School from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. 4000 Kelley St., Houston, TX 77026
Ortiz Middle School from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. 6767 Telephone Road, Houston, TX 77061
Navarro Middle School from 12 to 7 p.m. 5100 Polk St., Houston, TX 77023
Thursday, May 23:
Henry Middle School from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. 10702 E Hardy Road, Houston, TX 77093
Yates High School from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. 3650 Alabama St., Houston, TX 77004
Madison High School from 2 to 6 p.m. 13719 White Heather Dr., Houston, TX 77045
High School for Law and Justice from 2 to 6 p.m. 3505 Coyle St., Houston, TX 77003
Friday, May 24:
Chavez High School from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. 8501 Howard Dr., Houston, TX 77017
DeBakey HS for Health Professions from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 2545 Pressler St., Houston, TX 77030
Tuesday, May 28:
Furr High School from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. 500 Mercury Dr., Houston, TX 77013
Wheatley High School from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. 4801 Providence St., Houston, TX 77020
Wednesday, May 29:
Williams Middle School from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. 6100 Knox St., Houston, TX 77091
Westbury High School from 1 to 6 p.m. 11911 Chimney Rock Road, Houston, TX 77035
Thursday, May 30:
Austin High School from 4 to 7 p.m. 1700 Dumble St., Houston, TX 77023
Friday, May 31:
Forest Brook Middle School from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. 7525 Tidwell Road, Houston, TX 77016
Houston MSTC from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. 9400 Irvington Blvd., Houston, TX 77076
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