Warming Shelter Update | Saturday, Jan. 24
The city of Burleson continues to actively monitor weather conditions and power outages across our community. At the time of this update, there are no power outages within the city. Our priority remains ensuring residents have access to help if they need it.
If you or someone you know in the Burleson community needs immediate shelter assistance, please contact the city’s Public Safety Communications Center at 817-426-9903. For life-threatening emergencies, dial 911. Leading up to this weather event, the Police Department and Community Services staff have worked together to reach out to known members of the community who may be experiencing homelessness and offer assistance. Police patrols continue to actively monitor the community and engage with unhoused individuals to provide support and connect them with available resources. Again, if you know of anyone who needs assistance, please contact 817-426-9903 or 911.
At 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, the Burleson Public Library will close as a warming station. This does not mean the library could not reopen as a warming station if conditions change or a need arises.
If the community continues to have power, the Burleson Recreation Center (BRiCk) is planned to close as a warming station at 8 p.m. City staff will continue to reassess community needs and are prepared to reopen warming stations if conditions change.
Residents should also be aware that the American Red Cross is operating an overnight shelter in Alvarado at First Baptist Church, 207 US-67, Alvarado, through Monday, Jan. 26 at noon (hours may be extended). The shelter is available to assist any Burleson residents in need of overnight accommodations. For more information, contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). On a case-by-case situation the city will work to assist with transportation, if needed.
Although no residents utilized the warming stations opened earlier today, we recognize that it can be difficult to reach everyone, especially those without internet or phone service. We ask for your help in sharing this information with friends, family and neighbors, particularly those who may be more vulnerable.
How does the city determine when to open warming shelters?
According to the Emergency Operations Center handbook, warming shelters may be opened in City of Burleson facilities when temperatures consistently reach 32 degrees or below, the Emergency Operations Center is activated and one or more of the following conditions are present:
- During daytime hours from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., residents are without power for an expected period of eight hours or more
- During overnight hours from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., residents are without power for an expected period of six hours or more
- A power grid collapse or city-wide power outage occurs
- An unforeseen or emergent community need arises
In addition, the city may operate warming stations during regular business hours at open city facilities even if these criteria are not met.
Why aren’t facilities open 24 hours a day?
We understand this is a common question. The city’s goal is to care for our community while responsibly managing public resources and remaining ready to respond if conditions worsen.
Operating a facility requires significant staffing, utilities and support resources. When there are no widespread power outages or immediate life-safety concerns, keeping facilities open around the clock may limit the city’s ability to respond quickly if a longer-lasting or more severe emergency develops.
By managing resources carefully, the city is better prepared to scale up operations if needed, including opening overnight warming shelters during extended outages or sustained cold weather events. This approach allows the city to remain flexible, responsive and prepared as conditions change.
Above all, our focus remains on ensuring help is available when it is needed and that no one in our community is left without support during a winter weather event.
*******************Original News Release [Saturday, Jan. 24 at 7:51 a.m. ******************************
The city of Burleson has been notified that approximately 900 homes are currently without electricity. While power restoration is estimated by 3 p.m., the city has opened warming stations for residents affected by the outage and for anyone in the community who needs a warm place.
Burleson Recreation Center (BRiCk)
550 NW Summercrest Blvd.
Open as a warming station beginning at 7 a.m. today.
Kennels are available on-site for pets.
Burleson Public Library
248 SW Johnson Avenue
Open as a warming station beginning at 9 a.m. today.
City staff will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed.