Winter Weather

Another winter storm is descending upon the Lone Star State. 

Other states are dealing with much harsher conditions than we are - below zero wind chills, piles of snow, blizzard conditions in some places. 

Compared to states like Illinois and Michigan, we are doing great. 

Except Texas has a shaky power grid. And many parts of the state don't prepare adequately for icy roads. Texans don't know how to drive on ice. They also can't stop themselves from panic buying food, bottled water, and toiletries. And our home and business pipes don't hold up well to long-lasting below-freezing temperatures. 

We are not a state known for cold weather. But in the past three years we have endured some dangerous freezes. Two years ago parts of Central Texas where I live were actually under a blizzard advisory! It sounds like an episode of 911 Lone Star. But it really happened. And people really died. Froze to death in their homes. Perished from carbon monoxide poisoning. Lost their lives because they were ventilator dependent or had other health conditions that were affected by electricity loss and/or extreme cold. We also lost members of our un-housed population.

So while some northerners might scoff at us, our fears of cold weather are justified. Especially those of us with disabilities and chronic health conditions. We are terrified of losing electricity. Of being trapped in our homes due to icy roadways. Of not having access to grocery stores or pharmacies. Some of us live alone and if our personal care attendants cannot get to us, then we are further stranded - no way to toilet, bathe, dress, or feed ourselves. The fear is real and can be overwhelming. 

So today I have much to be grateful for. So far I have electricity, heat, and water. I even got a warm shower this morning. I have food, medicine, warm clothes, blankets. I am fortunate. I will try to focus on what I have and not fear what might happen. The forecast is for below freezing temperatures until sometime on Wednesday. Hopefully the grid...and the pipes, hold out.

librarianintx