Cold temperatures and winter storms can pose serious risks, but taking simple precautions can help keep you and your loved ones safe during the colder months. Older adults, young children, and individuals with chronic illnesses are especially vulnerable to cold-related conditions such as hypothermia and frostbite. If you know someone in your family or neighborhood who may be at risk, please check on them regularly and safely.

Protect yourself, your family, and your community from the effects of extreme cold by following these tips:

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic fluids.
Dress warmly by wearing layers, covering exposed skin, and using hats, gloves, and insulated footwear when outdoors.
Limit time outside in extreme cold and take frequent breaks indoors to warm up.
Stay indoors when possible and set your thermostat to 68°F or lower to conserve energy. Use weather stripping and keep blinds or curtains closed to help retain heat.
Use blankets and warm clothing indoors to stay comfortable without overusing heating systems.
Conserve energy by limiting use of large appliances or running them during off-peak hours.

These small steps can make a big difference in staying safe, warm, and energy-efficient during winter weather.

Winter Weather Reminder: Protect the 4 P’s

As winter weather approaches, residents are encouraged to take proactive steps to protect Pets, Plants, People, and Pipes.

Pets

Bring pets indoors whenever possible and provide warm, dry shelter.
Ensure outdoor animals have adequate bedding and access to unfrozen water.
Limit pets’ time outdoors during freezing temperatures.

Plants

Cover sensitive plants with cloth or frost blankets.
Move potted plants indoors or into a protected area such as a garage.
Water plants ahead of a freeze to help protect roots from cold damage.

People

Check on elderly neighbors, individuals with disabilities, and those with medical needs.
Dress in layers and limit time spent outdoors in extreme cold.
Avoid unnecessary travel and remain cautious of icy conditions.

Pipes

Allow faucets to drip to help prevent pipes from freezing.
Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.
Insulate exposed pipes and outdoor faucets.

Taking these precautions can help reduce the risk of damage and ensure the safety and well-being of the community during winter weather events.

Inclement Weather Centers Activation

The Victoria Office of Emergency Management, in coordination with the Homeless Coalition of the Golden Crescent, is monitoring forecasted weather conditions indicating the potential for sustained overnight temperatures at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, impacting Victoria County and surrounding areas.

Based on current forecast information from the National Weather Service and established local inclement weather response thresholds, the Homeless Coalition of the Golden Crescent has recommended the activation of Inclement Weather Centers to help reduce cold-weather exposure risks for vulnerable populations within our community.

Food, resources, donations, transportation, and volunteer management support will be coordinated through the Homeless Coalition of the Golden Crescent, the hosting facilities, and other participating community partners to support operations throughout this activation period.

Locations and Operating Schedules

Our Lady of Sorrows – Trinity Hall

204 W. River Street, Victoria, TX 77901
All are welcome

Operating Hours:

Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. through Monday, January 26, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.
Monday, January 26, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. through Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

The Salvation Army

1302 N. Louis Street, Victoria, TX 77901

Operating Hours:

Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. through Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 9:00 a.m.

Notes:

Adult men only overnight stays
Everyone welcome from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily

Mid-Coast Family Services Resource Hub

2103 N. Depot Street, Victoria, TX 77901

Operating Days:

Monday, January 26 and Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Operating Hours:

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Everyone welcome

Ongoing Monitoring

Operations will be conducted in coordination with the Homeless Coalition of the Golden Crescent and supporting partner agencies. The Victoria Office of Emergency Management will continue to monitor weather conditions and provide updates should forecast changes impact operations.

For additional questions, comments, or concerns, please contact the Victoria Office of Emergency Management.

Transportation

Transportation assistance will be coordinated through the Mid-Coast Family Resource Hub throughout the winter weather event.

Contact Informatin

Homeless Coalition of the Golden Crescent

Email: endpovertyvahc@gmail.com

Mid-Coast Family Services

Phone: (361) 575-7842

Salvation Army

Phone: (361) 572-3779

seal
VICTORIA COUNTY
115 N. Bridge St.
Victoria TX. 77901
PHONE: (361) 575-4558

Hours of Operation:

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday - Friday
Closed: Weekends, Holidays

Nondiscrimination

Victoria County, as a recipient of Federal financial assistance and under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes, ensures that no person shall on the grounds of race, religion (where the primary objective of the financial assistance is to provide employment per 42 U.S.S. § 2000d-3), color, national origin, sex, age or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any Department programs or activities.

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