![]() ![]() ![]() Yet little had been done to winterize the grid and correct the problem in the intervening decade. After a previous winter storm in 2011, in which the state’s power grid narrowly avoided a similar calamity, the federal government warned Texas that its power infrastructure was vulnerable to failure in extreme cold. This was a largely avoidable disaster, federal officials reported in November. “Every single Texan who lost a loved one because of the power grid failure deserves an answer from Governor Abbott, and that must start with the Abbott administration acknowledging the true human toll.”Ībbott’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. “It’s pretty telling that the Abbott administration would try to bury these findings by releasing them on New Year’s Eve,” O’Rourke told BuzzFeed News by email. We could see more tragedy the next time Texas experiences extreme weather.” “And after the grid failed and hundreds died, he still did nothing. “They were killed by the incompetence and corruption of Abbott who was warned repeatedly about the grid's vulnerabilities but did nothing,” O’Rourke said. He went on to blame his Republican opponent, Gov. O’Rourke is a former Democratic member of Congress from El Paso who is now running to be Texas governor. “Independent reports suggest this is a gross undercount and that over 700 died,” tweeted Beto O’Rourke on Tuesday in a reference to our investigation. The new figure is 36 higher than the state’s previous count but is still almost certainly wrong.Īccording to an analysis of “excess deaths” in the week of the power outages by BuzzFeed News, the true number is likely more than 750. The best thing for students to do to stay safe and warm is to be prepared, whether it’s having the proper warm clothing or preparing our homes for the bitterly cold temperatures, Luhn said.On New Year’s Eve, with few people watching, the Texas Department of State Health Services announced that 246 people died in the February 2021 winter storm that took down much of the state’s power grid. Particularly during record-freezing temperatures, the loss of power made it more difficult for people to stay warm, which exacerbated the problem and led to a higher death toll. ![]() The power outages as a result of the 2021 winter freeze were attributed to the failures of the Texas power grid, which left millions without power for many days. “Make sure your vehicle has enough anti-freeze, and have a mechanic check your brakes, heater, defroster, tires and windshield wiper to make sure they’re in good shape.” “If you’re going outside, make sure you wear multiple layers of lightweight, warm clothing and a water-repellent outer layer,” Luhn said. When asked about being prepared, Luhn explained that three days’ worth of emergency food and water is ideal. The list includes non-perishable goods, one gallon of water per person per day, a first aid kit, batteries, flashlights, portable chargers, batteries, copies of important documents in air-tight plastic bags and blankets. In case of power outages or winter weather emergencies, Get Ready Texas compiled a list of items to prepare in an abundance of caution. They suggest people install and test carbon monoxide detectors throughout their homes and in garages. According to the TDI, this can make you short of breath or cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, weakness or even death. If carbon monoxide builds up in an environment, the gas begins replacing the oxygen supply, usually without anyone realizing it. People should avoid running their cars in closed garages specifically, as that led to many deaths in 2021. It is important that people understand the risks of using their cars, stoves, fireplaces or furnaces as heating systems. An article published by the Texas Department of Insurance outlined the best ways to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning during the winter. Texas winters, though usually considered moderate compared to other regions, have become increasingly unpredictable.ĭuring last year’s freeze, many families without power resorted to their cars for warmth, which resulted in numerous carbon monoxide poisoning-related deaths. “And while it’s rare for the Houston area, ice can pose significant threats, from downed power lines to treacherously slick sidewalks and roads.” “It is always important to be prepared, whether it’s having the proper warm clothing or preparing our homes for the bitterly cold temperatures,” Luhn said. ![]()
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