Help for Oxygen Users Affected By Ice Storms In Texas

Hello, Texas!

All of us at 1st Class Medical are incredibly concerned about you and the current state of emergency that is going on in your area. We are seeing reports of people going days without power or water and are very concerned about all of you, oxygen users particularly.

Keep in mind that fire stations, police stations, and hospitals are likely to retain power via generators so make note of where your closest one is and try to make your way there if you lose power.

Keep batteries charged in case your power goes out. With all the power outages across the US, batteries are in short supply. We were able to secure a supply of 8 cell batteries for the Inogen One G5, and the Caire FreeStyle Comfort. 

As a preferred supplier we were able to get promotional pricing so as many people can get one that needs one so you’ll get 30% off as well. Give us a call at 1-800-520-5726. Supplies are limited and we are prioritizing patients in Texas and the storm affected area but we’re hoping to be able to help everyone who wants to be more prepared for situations like this.

We have posted information on our resource center about disaster preparedness. Click here to review : https://www.1stclassmed.com/blog/disaster-preparedness-what-do-you-do-in-case-of-an-emergency

Unfortunately that information may not help you now that roads are dangerous to drive on so we put together some information about where you can turn to help and what to do if you’ve lost power and/or water.

Water Boil Advisory

We know that many of you are without water right now because of frozen pipes but those that have water have been advised to boil water before using it for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, or washing glasses or cookware. 

When a water main loses pressure, as can happen when pipes freeze, water can backfeed water into pipes which can pick up bacteria when it is repressurized and begins flowing again back into homes so please boil water until the advisory has been lifted even if your plumbing appears to be working normally.

As of Wednesday it is estimated that as many as 12 million people are without water. Approximately 590 public water systems in 141 Texas counties have been affected and are experiencing service interruptions.

If you have water now it’s advisable to fill up some water jugs in case your pipes freeze or your service is affected. Severe temperatures are expected to continue throughout the next few days at least.

• Conserve water when possible. 
• Boiled snow can be used if necessary. It’s believed that once water reaches a boiling point it kills pathogens that can cause illness but you may want to boil it for an additional 1 to 3 minutes for safety.
• Let water faucets drip to prevent freezing. Moving water can’t freeze, even if it’s at a trickle.
• Some water pipes are located in the garage where there is no heat. Cover pipes with blankets, towels or foam if possible and be sure to keep the garage door closed.
• In the house, leave cabinet doors open under sinks to allow heat to reach the pipes.
• Even if you are leaving your house, don’t turn your thermostat lower than  55 degrees.
• If your pipes do freeze, use a space heater, hair dryer, or heating pad wrapped around the pipe to thaw them. Leave faucets turned on as you do this so that the water will begin to flow which will speed the thawing process. Never use a blowtorch, charcoal stove, or any other open flame device to thaw pipes. Apply warming techniques until full water pressure is restored.

Hypothermia

One possible danger when losing heat is you may develop hypothermia. Your normal body temperature is in the neighborhood of 98.6 degrees. If your body temperature drops below 95 degrees, serious health consequences can occur. Low body temperature can affect your heart, nervous system, or other organs. If left untreated it can lead to heart or respiratory failure and eventually death.

Symptoms of Hypothermia

• The most pronounced and obvious symptom is probably shivering.
• Breathing may slow and become shallow.
• Extreme fatigue and drowsiness. 
• Slurred speech
• Lack of coordination
• Weak pulse
• Confusion
• Glassy Stare

What to Do if You Suspect Someone has Hypothermia

• Watch the person carefully, because extreme confusion often occurs and they may be disoriented and confused.
• Call 911 or get them to an urgent care, or emergency room.
• Move the person to a warm place
• Remove any wet clothing
• Use hot water bottles or heating pads but don’t warm the person too quickly, such as by immersing them in warm water.
• Warm the core first, from the chest to the abdomen.

Staying Warm

• If your heat goes out, evacuate to a warming center if possible. If roads are impassable, do what you can to stay warm.
• Try to limit as much exposed skin as possible. Wear a hat to avoid allowing heat to escape from your head. Wear thick socks. Cover your hands as well. Keep in mind that mittens are warmer than gloves.
• Avoid overexertion. Making your clothing wet from sweat will chill you quickly once you decrease your activity level.
• Wear layers of loose fitting clothing so that you can add and subtract. Wear enough to keep you warm but not enough to make you sweat. Polypropylene and wool will keep you warmer than cotton.
• Use caution when using space heaters. Ensure they are on a level and stable surface. Keep all flammable materials at least three feet away from heaters and fireplaces. Never leave them unattended or running when you go to sleep.
• If you’re using a fireplace be sure to use a glass or metal screen to keep sparks contained. If you are an oxygen user, any kind of open flame should be avoided.

If the Power Goes Out

• Always keep fresh flashlight batteries on hand. Flashlights are much safer than candles, especially for oxygen users.
• Disconnect appliances to protect them from spikes and surges when power is restored. 
• Don’t open your refrigerator or freezer anymore than necessary to keep the cold in. You can prepare a cooler with snow and ice to keep food colder. Keep it outside if temperatures are below 40 degrees.
• If you are an oxygen concentrator user be sure to keep plenty of charged batteries on hand if storms are forecast. If you are worried that you are approaching being out of power, get to somewhere like a hospital, fire or police station where they likely have an emergency generator. Don’t wait until the last second. Take action when you are down to half power or sooner.

Consider Purchasing a Generator

• Generators can be handy but be sure to use them safely.
• Ensure that they are dry and properly grounded. Never use them when wet or touch them with wet hands as you may get shocked.
• Never use a gas, propane, natural gas, or charcoal burning device indoors or even in a partially enclosed area. Ideally these devices should be in a canopy like structure with a top to keep them dry, but open on all sides for ventilation. They should be outside, well away from doors, windows or vents so that carbon monoxide won’t enter your house.
• Before refueling, turn the generator off and allow it to cool. A hot engine could ignite if it comes in contact with gasoline.
• Plug appliances directly into the generator. Extension cords or using the generator to power the whole house via a wall outlet or main electrical panel, can be dangerous.

Oxygen Users

We made an evacuation checklist that may help you if you do end up having to go to a shelter or warming center. You’ll find it in our private Facebook Support Group.  At the top of the group you’ll see a “more” dropdown menu. In the drop down, you’ll find “files”. The disaster preparedness checklist is about the 4th file down.

Keep batteries charged and ensure that they are in good working order. The time to realize your battery has gone dead is not when the power goes out. Check and run your concentrator weekly.

Keep your chargers handy so if you need to go out, you can take your D/C power supply to plug your concentrator into your car.

Contact your local Red Cross to let them know that you are on oxygen and may need specialized assistance if the power goes out. They may have resources for you. 1-800-733-2767.

Find your closest hospital, fire, or police station. They are likely to retain power via generator. Let them know that you may have to shelter there if power goes out in the area.

If you have a lung condition be sure to cover your mouth and nose if you have to go outside. Cold, dry air in your airways can cause a bronchospasm and is a dangerous exacerbation risk.

Resources

Below we put together a list of resources that may be of help to you. We’ll add to the list as we find new ones. Please comment with other resources that we may have missed!

We have assembled a list of the most up to date resources below but as they are ever evolving click this link https://tdem.texas.gov/warm/ for more information.  Also, Texas residents can call 211 or 311 for more assistance.

Texas Red Cross

https://www.redcross.org/local/texas/central-and-south-texas.html

1-800-733-2767

Feeding Texas

If you need food this is a valuable resource and there are opportunities to help others as well if you can.

https://www.feedingtexas.org/

512-527-3613

Texas Salvation Army

https://www.salvationarmytexas.org/

Austin 512-782-8800

Dallas/Fort Worth 214-637-8100

El Paso 915-544-9811

Houston 713-752-0677

San Antonio 210-352-2000

Fema

https://www.fema.gov/locations/texas

Arrange for a hotel at 800-745-0243

Warming Centers (Masks Required)

North East Texas (Denton, Plano, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Longview etc.)

Allens Point Baptist Church (24/7)

301 CR 2775

Honey Grove, TX 75446

Alto Community Fellowship (24/7)

595 Marcus St.

Alto, TX 75925

936-858-4862

Bethel Bible Church (5 PM-Overnight)

504 W. 32nd Street

Tyler, Tx 75702

Bogata Community Center

201 2nd Street NW

Bogata, TX 75417

Burnett Junior High (Overnight)

516 Hilltop Lane

Wylie, TX 75098

Central Baptist Jacksonville

1909 E Rusk

Jacksonville, TX 75766

Charles E. Mull Family Center

405 N. Adelaide 

Terrel, TX 75060

Church of Christ

397 S. Main St

Rusk, TX 75785

City Fire Station

16759 FM 14

Tyler, TX 75706

City Fire Station #2 (8 AM-9 PM)

110 Mockingbird Lane

Denton, TX 76209

City Fire Station #4 (8 AM - 9 PM)

2110 E. Sherman Drive

Denton, TX 76209

City Fire Station #5 (8AM - 9 PM)

2230 W. Windsor Drive

Denton, TX 76207

City of Corsicana Library

100 N 12th St

Corsicana, TX 75110

City Square Paris (9:30 AM - 4:30 PM)

2515 Bonham Street 

Paris, TX 75460

Community Bible Fellowship

415 S. Collins FWY 

Howe, TX 75459

Decatur Civic Center

2010 US 380

Decatur, TX 76234

Denton Civic Center (24/7)

321 E. McKinney Street

Denton, TX 76201

Desoto Faith Bible Church

1437 W. Pleasant Run Rd.

DeSoto, TX 75115

Ferris First Baptist Church

304 W. 5th Street

Ferris, TX 75125

Fire Station 3 (24/7)

500 W. Lookout Drive

Richardson, TX 75080

First Baptist Church

110 W. Thomas Street

Leonard, TX 75452

First Baptist Wylie Event Center (Overnight)

200 N. Ballard Ave.

Wylie, TX 75098

First Christian Church of Granbury

2109 W. Hwy

Granbury, TX 76048

817-573-5431

Gainesville Civic Center (Warming Station Only, Not a Shelter)

311 S. Weaver Street

Gainesville, TX 76240

Genesis Metro Church (3 PM - Overnight)

9750 John W. Elliot

Frisco, TX 75034

Grand Saline United Methodist Church

501 N. Main 

Grand Saline, TX 75140

Haltom City Recreation (24/7)

4839 Broadway Ave.

Haltom City, TX 76117

Harvest of Praise Ministries (24/7)

2603 S. Hampton 

Glenn Heights, TX 75154

High Ridge Church

1000 Cinema Drive

Hudson Oaks, TX 76087

Hope Station (9 AM - 5 PM)

919 South Magnolia Street

Palestine, TX 75801

Lakeside Baptist Church

4470 TX-274

Trinidad, TX 75163

Mansfield Service Center 

620 Wisteria Lane

Mansfield, TX 76063

McLeod Park

10717 Langston Drive

Mont Belvieu, TX 77523

Mission Texarkana (24/7)

620 W. 4th Street

Texarkana, TX 75501

903-792-1301

Noah’s Ark Animal Shelter

2501 N. Weaver, St. 

Gainesville, TX 76240

Open Door Church (24/7)

301 S. Dobson

Burleson, TX 76028

877-413-0888

Radiant Church

19830 I-20

Canton, TX 75103

Ruth Jackson Center (Overnight)

3113 S. Carrier Pkwy

Grand Prairie, TX 75052

Terrell Police Headquarters

1100 TX 34

Terrell, TX 75060

Waxahachie Bible Church

621 N. Grand Ave

Waxahachie, TX 75165

South-East Texas (Houston, Beaumont, Woodlands, College Station, Galveston etc.)

Alvin Missionary Baptist

2102 W. Lang

Alvin, TX 77511

Angleton Recreation Center 

1601 Valderas

Angleton, TX 77515

Barber Middle School Gym

5651 FM 517 Rd. E

Dickinson, TX 77539

Bayside Community Center

4833 10th St

Bacliff, TX 77518

Brazoria First Assembly

601 S. Market St.

Brazoria, TX 77422

Copper Field Church (24/7)

8350 Hwy 6 N

Houston, TX 77095

Fonde Center

110 Sabine St.

Houston, TX 77007

Friendswood Public Library

416 S. Friendswood Dr

Friendswood, TX 77546

Gallery Furniture - Richmond

7227 W. E. Grand Parkway S.

Richmond, TX 77406

Gallery Furniture - Mattress Mack

6006 N. Freeway

Houston, TX 77076

Godtel (Overnight Only)

323 Moody St.

Lufkin, TX 75901

Hometown Heroes Park

1001 E. League City Pkwy.

League City, TX 77573

Knights of Columbus (Warming Only)

1310 US 90

Sealy, TX 77474

Santa Fe Fire and Rescue

13112 Hwy 6

Santa Fe, TX 77510

Salvation Army 

803 N. Front Street

Freeport, TX 78368

Twin City Mission (24/7)

2505 S. College Ave. 

Bryan, TX 77801

South Texas (Corpus Christi, Kingsville, Nuevo Laredo, Brownsville, etc.)

Bishop Enrique San Pedro, Ozanam Center (Covid Test Required)

656 N. Minnesota Ave.

Brownsville, TX 78521

Calallen FEMA Dome (Warming Only)

4001 Wildcat Drive 

Corpus Christi, TX 78410

Catholic Charities of Rio Grande Valley (8 AM - 8 PM)

111 S. 15th Street

McAllen, TX 78501

City of Brownsville (24/7)

1000 Sports Park Blvd.

Brownsville, TX 78526

Del Rio Civic Center

1915 Veterans Blvd.

Del Rio, TX 78840

Falfurrias High School

100 Jersey Drive

Falfurrias, TX 78355

Jim Hog Warming Shelter

15 East Martinez Drive

Hebbronville, TX 78361

La Feria Dome (8 PM - Overnight)

1001 Pancho Maples

La Feria, TX 78559

Port Isabell Even and Cultural Center

309 Railroad St

Port Isabel, TX 78578

Salvation Army (24/7)

1600 North 23rd Street

McAllen, TX 78501

Sames Auto Arena 

6700 Arena Blvd.

Laredo, TX 78041

Starr County Rio Grande

1 South Ringgold Ave

Rio Grande, TX 78582

West Texas (Midland, Odessa, San Angelo, etc.)

Baptist Church Activity Center

315 Main Street

Seagraves, TX 79359

Brady Salvation Army

906 E. 11th St.

Brady, TX 76825

Brewster County EOC

102 S. 2nd Street

Alpine, TX 79830

432-837-3488

Community Building

105 E. Hackberry

Sanderson, TX 79848

432-325-2525

Copper Rose

415 N. Grandview

Odessa, TX 79761

432-349-4494

Eckert Civic Center 

1024 McKinley Ave

Mason, TX 76856

325-347-5252

First Baptist Church

101 Burleson St.

Eden, TX 76837

325-869-3681

Marfa High School

300 N. Gonzales St.

Marfa, TX 79843

432-729-4911

Menard Vol Fire Station

1001 Ellis St.

Menard, TX 76859

325-396-4705

Mertzon Community Center

112 W. Duncan Ave.

Mertzon, TX 76941

325-835-2551

Salvation Army

1306 E. Taylor Ave.

Midland, TX 79701

432-683-3614

Panhandle (Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, Wichita Falls, etc.)

Baird United Methodist Church (24/7)

1600 US-283

Baird, TX 79504

Beltway Park Church North Campus

2850 TX-351

Abilene, TX 76902

Bowie Community Center 

413 Pelham St.

Bowie, TX 76230

Calvary Baptist Church

1606 Ave I NW

Childress, TX 79201

940-937-2535

City Hope Church (Overnight)

4301 Cedar Elm Lane

Wichita Falls, TX 76308

Code Blue Warming Center (7 PM - 7:30 AM)

200 S. Tyler 

Amarillo, TX 79101

Crunch Fitness (24/7)

4709 S. 14th 

Abilene, TX 79605

325-899-4242

First Baptist Church (Showers Available)

400 N. 8th St

Ballinger, TX 76821

325-365-3565

First Baptist Church (24/7)

420 N. Washington

Seymour, TX 76380

First Christian Church

201 N. Walnut St.

Albany, TX 76430

Grace Baptist Church

817 S. Cuyler

Pampa, TX 79065

Groom Warming Station (24/7)

407 E. 1st St

Groom, TX 79039

806-674-8000

Hall County (24/7)

721 W. Robertson

Memphis, TX 79245

Hemphill County Sheriff’s Office

401 E. Purcell Ave.

Canadian, TX 79041

806-323-5324

McLean Warming Station (24/7)

401 Railroad St.

McLean, TX 79057

806-433-8299

Open Door

1918 13th St.

Lubbock, TX 79401

Parmer County Warming Station (24/7)

300 4th St

Farwell, TX 79325

806-481-3303

Sacred Heart

206 N. Cedar

Seymour, TX 76380

940-733-3784

Bill Franklin Center

Hwy 206 and 5th Ave

Coleman, TX 46834

325-280-7051

Young County Area

120 Barclay Blvd.

Graham, TX 76450

Central Texas (Austin, San Antonio, Killeen, Waco, etc.)

Anytime Fitness (Showers and Charge Phones)

1018 River Rd.

Boerne, TX 78006

Austin Central Library (Shelter Transport)

710 W. Caesar Chavez

Austin, TX 78701

Barrington Elementary (9 AM - 9 PM)

400 Cooper Dr.

Austin, TX 78753

Bea’s Kitchen

105 E. Main St.

Cameron, TX 76520

Calvary Chapel (7 PM - 7 AM)

204 North Main St 

Lockhart, TX 78644

Calvary Temple

3000 SH-534 Loop

Kerrville, TX 78028

City Emergency Management Building (Warming Bus 11 AM - 6 PM)

1402 W. Hopkins 

San Marcos, TX 78666

Civic Center

601 N. Main Street

Salado, TX 76571

Copperas Cove Warming Shelter (Open 6 PM)

1206 S Ave B

Copperas Cove, 76522

Crain Elementary School (11AM - 2 PM)

2706 N Azalea

Victoria, TX 77901

Fredericksburg Elementary

1608 N. Adams Street

Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Gause United Methodist Church

204 W. Walnut St.

Gause, TX 77857

Georgetown Rec Center

1003 N. Austin Ave.

Georgetown, TX 78626

Henry B. Gonzalez (Call 311 for Transportation)

900 E. Market St.

San Antonio, TX 78205

Hill County Fairgrounds

1180 S. Waco Street

Hillsboro, TX 76645

Immanuel Baptist Church (Pets Accepted)

1401 W. Central Ave.

Temple, TX 76504

254-298-5550

KAD Korner Store (11AM - 6 PM)

820 Sturgeon Drive

San Marcos, TX 78666

Marlin Gym

204 Live Oak

Marlin, TX 76661

Mosaic Church

12675 Research Blvd.

Ausin, TX 78759

512-305-4233

Schertz Community Center

1400 Schertz Parkway, Bldg. 3

Schertz, TX 78154

Searsville Country Church

686 FM 217

Valley Mills, TX 76689

St. Luke’s Catholic Church

2807 Oakdale Drive

Temple, TX 76502

The Graphix House

105 Parkway B. 

Boerne, TX 78006

University Avenue Church of Christ

1903 University Ave.

Austin, TX 78705

512-305-4233

Victory Ministries

305 South 18th

Temple, TX 76501

Walnut Springs Baptist Church

152 4th Street

Walnut Springs, TX 76690

Westover Baptist Church

1310 Advance Street

San Marcos, TX 78666

512-214-2258

YMCA Warming Center

820 Adler St.

Boerne, TX 78006

Stay warm and let us know how we can help! #TexasStrong