TYLER, Texas, January 24, 2026 — The American Red Cross North Texas Region has been actively preparing for winter storm Fern since Wednesday. Disaster teams began moving assets and supplies into place and mobilizing volunteers to assist with the response. This includes pre-positioning not just cots, blankets, food, water, vehicles, and Red Crossers, but also blood products for local hospitals.
The Red Cross continues to coordinate with local partners and officials across North Texas to focus on safety, sheltering, and readiness to expand the response.
The Red Cross has five Red Cross-managed shelters open across North Texas.
- Alvarado: First Baptist Church | 207 US 67
- Bowie: Bowie Community Center | 413 Pelham St.
- Cooper: Delta County Civic Center | 221 E. Bonham Ave.
- Fritch: Celebration Church | 811 E Broadway St.
- Plano: Christ United Methodist Church | 3101 Coit Rd.
To find shelter locations, visit redcross.org/shelters, check out the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). Residents can also follow the American Red Cross North Texas Region Facebook page or emergency officials on social media, sign up for free local government alerts or monitor local news.
Helping the Community
Neighbors are often the first line of defense in times of crisis. The Red Cross encourages North Texans to look out for each other and be ready to act when it matters most. Call, text, even knock on a door.
Visit redcross.org/volunteer to become a volunteer and ensure no one faces an emergency alone.
The national blood supply remains at critically low levels. When conditions improve, the Red Cross urges donors to reschedule their appointments at redcrossblood.org, through the Blood Donor App or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).
How Residents Can Stay Prepared
- Stay indoors and off the roads when possible. If you must go outside, wear layered clothing, gloves and a hat.
- Use care with space heaters and fireplaces to prevent fires. Keep anything that could catch fire at least 3 feet from the heat. Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
- If the power goes out, turn off and unplug everything to avoid power surges. Leave one light on, so you’ll know when power is restored.
- Keep your fridge doors closed as much as possible to preserve your food
- Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time alerts, expert advice in English and Spanish, and available disaster shelter and support locations.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
