How to get emergency help during Texas blackouts

By Nathan Brunet on February 16th, 2021

As millions of Texas residents are without power during a period of extremely cold temperatures, some may need the help of emergency services.

Immediate Emergencies

If you are in need of immediate emergency help, dial 9-1-1.

Warming Centers

Find a warming station on the Texas Division of Emergency Management website here.
Call 2-1-1 for information on additional resources.

Emergency Shelter

Find an open shelter on the American Red Cross website here.
Download the FEMA Mobile App.
Text SHELTER and your zip code to 4FEMA (43362). (For example, text "SHELTER 01234")
- For Spanish, text REFUGIO and your zip code.
For those who have friends or family who live nearby in a safe area, ask if you can stay with them for a short time.

Disabilities or Access and Functional Needs

Visit the DisasterAssistance.gov page here.

Other Needs

Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 / TTY (800) 462-7585 to find if there may be additional referrals for available services.

Affordable Housing Tip

You can still apply to online applications without internet access.

If you don't have internet access, go to a local public library that has devices with an online connection.

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