BCFS Health and Human Services is a national leader in medical sheltering and emergency management and response, providing critical emergency support services to federal, state, and local governments. The Texas-based organization sprang into action to support the state’s residents, educational providers, and other organizations that were impacted by the historic winter storms of spring 2021. These storms were among the costliest disasters in Texas History, and caused considerable damages through flooding, power outages, transportation accidents, and other means. The storm knocked out power for millions, causing the Texas electrical grid to nearly fail.
BCFS Health and Human Services’ snowstorm assistance occurred throughout the state, as millions were affected and in need of immediate assistance. In San Antonio, the organization developed a warming center that could house 500 people. It included multiple generators to power heat sources and offered residents a clean cot and blankets to stay warm throughout the storm. The nonprofit organization also helped the San Antonio Food Bank through a water delivery, as the municipal water supply was severely limited due to the storm.
BCFS Health and Human Services facilities planned proactively for disasters by storing food and water, but the scale of the outage and the unprecedented low temperatures meant they were not expecting a massive cold-related emergency. BCFS Health and Human Services’ staff worked hard to prepare these centers and ensure the uninterrupted care.
Breckenridge Village of Tyler (BVT), a nonprofit that provides residential care to adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, also called on BCFS Health and Human Services. BVT needed power generators and other supplies to help keep residents warm during the storm. Seniors and other people with special needs should consider investing in the best medical alert system within their budget. These types of systems can be literally life saving in such emergencies.
The organization’s efforts continued in rural southern Texas where it helped its educational services division improve flooding and power outage conditions at various area schools. Many schools had burst pipes and water damage from the flood, and BCFS Health and Human Services offered reliable backup power and managed work done on the facilities. In towns such as Comfort and Victoria, many school districts were closed for more than a week. An education facility operated by BCFS Health and Human Services in Floresville could not open due to magnetic lock problems, and many area schools flooded due to burst pipes.
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