Today, in preparation for an impending hard freeze, Fort Bend County Judge KP George, in collaboration with emergency response department leaders and community partner Attack Poverty, held a press conference.

Emergency response leaders delivered information encompassing severe weather preparation, safety protocols, and comprehensive action plans to help prepare residents for freezing temperatures. Additionally, the establishment of warming centers, a crucial component of the county's strategy to ensure the well-being and safety of its residents, was announced.

Held at the Fort Bend County Emergency Operations Center, speakers included Office of Emergency Preparedness Manager Greg Babst, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Wong, Road Commissioner Scott Wieghat, Fire Marshall Justin Jurek, Health and Human Services Director Dr. Letosha Gale Lowe, EMS Director; Chief Dudley Wait, Animal Services Director Rene Vasquez, and Chief Executive Officer of Attack Poverty Brandon Baca.

As the hard freeze is expected from Sunday night into Tuesday night, Fort Bend County has taken proactive measures by opening Warming Centers to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.

Attack Poverty/Friends of North Rosenberg will serve as a warming center, located at 1908 Avenue E., Rosenberg, TX 77471. The center will be open from Sunday, January 14, through Tuesday, January 17, from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. The center will provide free WiFi, cots, blankets, and food.

Additionally, the following Fort Bend County Library branches will serve as Warming Centers:

· Albert George Branch Library, 9230 Gene Street, Needville, TX 77461 (281-238-2850)

· Cinco Ranch Branch Library, 2620 Commercial Ctr. Blvd., Katy, TX 77494 (281-395-1311)

· First Colony Branch Library, 2121 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281-238-2800)

· Fulshear Branch Library, 1422 Eugene Heimann Cir, Richmond, TX 77469 (281-341-2718)

· George Memorial Library, 1001 Gulfview Drive, Richmond, TX 77469 (281-342-4455)

· Mamie George Library, 320 Dulles Avenue, Stafford, TX 77477 (281-238-2880)

· Mission Bend Library, 8421 Addicks Clodine Rd., Houston, TX 77083 (832-471-5900)

· Missouri City Library, 1530 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, TX 77489 (281-238-2100)

· Sienna Branch Library, 8411 Sienna Springs Blvd., Missouri City, TX 77459 (281-238-2140)

· Sugar Land Branch Library, 550 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, TX 77478 (281-238-2140)

· University Branch Library, 14010 University Blvd., Sugar Land, TX 77479 (281-633-5100)

· Willie Melton Law Library, 1422 Eugene Heimann Cir., Richmond, TX 77469 (281-341-3718)

In addition to the Warming Centers, Fort Bend Transit is offering free transportation for residents in need of public transportation to warming centers. Residents are encouraged to call 281-633-7433 for transportation assistance.

Judge George emphasized the importance of staying weather aware and suggested multiple methods for residents to receive updates, including signing up for emergency alerts by texting FBC Alert to 888 777, listening to AM 1670 Radio, and following the social media platforms for the County Judge's Office, the Office of Emergency Management, and Health and Human Services for weather awareness and road closures.

Addition

Social Services staff will be on call from Saturday, January 13 to Monday, January 15, to assist vulnerable homeless populations by providing screening for temporary emergency sheltering assistance during the freeze. *It's important to note that all other social services assistance requests, outside of emergency homeless screening for this temporary emergency freeze, will be followed up on during normal business hours.

Rene Vasquez, Director of Fort Bend County Animal Services, announced that the department is providing free doghouses for those in need of shelter for their outdoor pets. The shelter is open on Saturday and Sunday until 3:00 p.m. To report animal neglect, residents can call 281-342-1512.

For any transportation needs outside of business hours, residents can call 281-633-7433 and select option 1 to reach dispatchers. (TRANSPORTATION SERVICES ARE NOT AVAILABLE OUTSIDE OF BUSINESS HOURS AT THIS TIME). Shared ride service will resume on Tuesday, January 16.

Fort Bend County encourages all residents to take necessary precautions and utilize the available resources during this anticipated freezing weather.