Love Where you Live! Winter Storm in Texas, February 2021

The recent winter storm experienced in Texas had temperatures that were record-breaking. DFW has weather records dating back as early as 1898 and nothing compares to what Texas experienced just a week ago! Yet it is no surprise that Texans pulled together and became very resourceful learning how to survive and cope with all the various elements that a harsh winter storm could bring. Power outages and the lack of water became normal throughout so many communities, yet it wasn't normal at all!

At first, it was fun!  Snow isn't a common occurrence in Texas.  Families were posting pictures of the snowman they made in their yard, snow ice cream recipes were flooding social media, family pets pounced around the snow, and sledding became a new outdoor activity.  It was fun and gave families something to do with the change in weather. 

And then.... everything seemed to stop. No power. No water. And for many that did have gas cooktops or gas fireplaces, the gas wasn't working.  And then, as it has so many times.... people started helping others in need. Neighbors stayed with other neighbors that had power. There were pockets within many communities through Texas where some homes were not affected at all during the storm. And many times those were the homes where family and friends relied on for help. Communities pulled together to bring safety and comfort to as many as they could reach. Families were making their meals in their fireplace, and those with no water were seen melting snow to help flush toilets, etc. With the power out, many seemed to scramble to cook the food in their refrigerator and freezers. If they didn’t have a fireplace, many resorted to cooking on their outdoor grill. Texas chili and cornbread were cooked in creative ways but it worked! And once the meal was complete – they shared it with others.  

During the past 365 days, we've all become familiar with words like pandemic, Covid-19, social distancing, etc. A new word popped up for us...."warming stations". What is that? Well, many found them and they were in local community centers, churches, and government buildings. These warming stations offered a place for the community to go and escape the frigid temperatures inside their own home! These were not available overnight but they did offer warmth for those that needed it during the day. They could recharge their phones and simply rest in a warm environment.

Social media was flooded with shout-outs from people with 4 wheel drive vehicles that could make traction on the snow/ice layered roads.  They took the front-line workers to work, brought firewood to those that needed it, offered to grab groceries.....anything to help!   Youtube became popular to search for how to drain a pool pump, how to shut off water to your home, what to do if a pipe bursts, etc. And then what happened....neighbors and families were helping each other to get the job done.  Everyone pulled together and helped each other. 

 

This community pulled together, and you could see people helping people everywhere.  Just when so many felt they've somewhat adapted to the pandemic and all the precautions and social distancing measures.....we then found ourselves becoming familiar with the term "warming stations" and searched YouTube and Facebook for the process to drain the pool pump, and many posted trying to find firewood.  The community responded in a big way.  Some businesses worked together with the community to cook, box, and deliver food to those in need.  

 

As typical in Texas….just a few days later the sun came out.  People started repair work from busted pipes, and contact information for plumbers, electricians, and remediation crews began to flood social media.  A week later, highs in the Rockwall area were in the 70’s.  

No matter where you live in this beautiful country, there can be uncontrollable weather conditions. For many, this experience brought more awareness of community and resourcefulness. Feeling safe and warm and fed. The Rockwall community was strong and their outreach went far and wide. All over Texas, there were stories of helpers giving assistance to others in need. Loving where you live is important.