The county is opening five warming centers Saturday as a Winter Storm Warning takes effect, highlighting new safeguards and lessons learned since the 2021 freeze.
BEXAR COUNTY, Texas — Bexar County leaders say they are moving early to protect vulnerable residents as a Winter Storm Warning prepares to take effect across South-Central Texas, opening five warming centers beginning Saturday morning and activating emergency operations.
Officials say the response is designed to avoid a repeat of the deadly 2021 winter freeze, when prolonged power outages and water system failures left thousands scrambling for help.
“Instead of waiting and reacting, we have to be proactive,” said state Rep. John Lujan, who represents House District 118 and also serves as a deacon at Southside Baptist Church, one of the warming center locations.
The five warming centers will open at 6 a.m. Saturday and remain open through noon Monday. All are located in unincorporated areas of Bexar County and are being operated in coordination with the City of San Antonio and its resiliency hubs.
Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai, who also serves as the county’s emergency manager, said preparations are being coordinated across county, city and state agencies, emergency service districts, and public utilities.
“I want to assure you that state and local partners are fully prepared for what the National Weather Service has now upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning,” Sakai said. “This is truly a public-private partnership with the faith-based community.”
One of those partners is Southside Baptist Church in southern unincorporated Bexar County. Since 2005, the church has hosted a free community dinner every Wednesday night. This weekend marks the first time it will serve as a warming center.
“Our motto is our house is your house,” said Pastor Albert Byrom. “Everybody’s welcome.”
County officials say several key differences separate this weather event from 2021. Forecasts show freezing temperatures are expected to last roughly half as long—about 50 hours compared to the nearly 100 hours of sustained freezing conditions in 2021. In addition, infrastructure upgrades and emergency planning have expanded significantly.
Bexar County Deputy Emergency Management Chief Michael Moreland said the county has strengthened its backup power capabilities, including a warehouse on the south side stocked with generator-supported equipment.
“We have a warehouse full of equipment that we have over on the south side,” Moreland said. “It has generator backup power that we’ve utilized to power fire stations that have lost power as well as other locations that have lost their HVAC system.”
Moreland said the county’s Emergency Operations Center will activate Saturday morning, with multiple briefings scheduled daily with state and local partners. He added that conversations with CPS Energy indicate the ERCOT power grid is expected to meet demand during the storm.
Warming centers have also been designated as priority power restoration sites if outages occur, and officials say CPS Energy has been notified to expedite restoration in those areas.
In another change since 2021, Bexar County is now integrated into the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry, known as STEAR. The program allows residents with access and functional needs — including the elderly, disabled or medically dependent — to register so emergency officials can locate and assist them during extended outages. To register, click here.
“If we do have an extended outage like water or power, we are able to know where those people are so we can further assist them and make sure they’re OK and have what they need,” Moreland said.
County public works crews will assist with roadway safety in coordination with the Texas Department of Transportation, while social services teams will distribute safety kits and help residents navigate to shelters and warming centers. The county’s Economic and Community Development Department has also provided heaters to residents who contacted officials and conducted outreach to homeless and elderly populations.
Officials are urging residents to limit driving unless absolutely necessary, monitor weather alerts and check on neighbors who may need help.
“Please check in on your people,” Sakai said.
Warming centers will be stocked with bottled water and snacks, and medical and law enforcement personnel will be on site. Service animals are welcome, and crates will be available for other pets. Residents are encouraged to bring medications, clothing, personal supplies and charging cables for electronic devices.
VIA Metropolitan Transit will provide transportation within San Antonio city limits, but residents traveling to warming centers in unincorporated areas may need to use rideshare services.
For a list of warming center locations and winter storm resources, visit bexar.org/winter.