The city of Pharr announced Thursday it is opening a warming shelter in partnership with Vanguard Academy in anticipation of more inclement weather this evening.
(Click here to find more warming centers across the Valley)
The shelter will be at the Vanguard Academy Gymnasium located at 1200 East Kelly Avenue in Pharr. It is expected to open at 7 p.m. Thursday and close at 10 a.m. Friday.
“While we are relieved to hear that ERCOT has authorized AEP Texas to restore power, we know that the process will take a while and encourage anyone in the city who is still without power to stay overnight at our warming shelter,” Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez said in a news release. “Temperatures are expected to drop and we want everyone to remain safe, healthy, and warm.”
Anyone seeking shelter should bring their own blankets, pillows, food and snacks, and any prescription medication they may need. The city will provide cots to sleep. Pets will not be allowed.
The city stated that space is limited and will be first come, first serve.
COVID-19 safety protocols will be enforced. Everyone is required to wear face coverings. The city will be screening guests, checking temperatures, hygiene access, and social distancing will be in place.
According to the news release, Pharr citizens are expected to have electrical service back soon. The city is asking for citizens without electricity to make plans to stay at the shelter.
“We understand this has been a difficult situation for many in our community and we are glad to hear that services are being restored,” Hernandez said. “At this moment, we join AEP Texas in asking that citizens who remain without power turn off electric systems to allow for a smooth transition as the grid is restored and those with power to practice energy conservation to help prevent new outages.”
AEP Texas is also asking its customers to unplug any electronic devices from the wall such as computers and televisions. Once power is restored, you should switch the devices back on gradually over the following 30 to 45 minutes.
The City of Pharr urges all citizens to continue conserving energy as crews work to restore the system and to stay safe as extreme winter weather is expected to drops temperatures this evening.
