Many Texans have died because of the winter storm. Just how many won't be known for weeks or month
Source: Texas Tribune
Dozens of deaths have been tied to this week's storm, but experts say the death toll is likely far larger.
by Shawn Mulcahy Feb. 19, 20216 hours ago
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Early that same morning, a San Antonio man left his house for a dialysis appointment but he never arrived. His wife found him unresponsive nearly two hours later in the frigid weather, according to KSAT. Local authorities said the mans death could have been from exposure to the cold.
In Abilene, first responders found a 60-year-old man dead in his home on Wednesday. His wife, who was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, said they hadnt had power for three days. Fire department members told KTXS that it felt as cold inside the home as outside.
Across Texas, deaths related to the winter storm continued to mount this week amid freezing temperatures, widespread power outages and a scarcity of clean water. While there have been reports that dozens of deaths are tied to the storm in Texas, experts say the death toll is likely far larger. And it could be weeks or months before the true magnitude is known.
Its a slow process. We may have preliminary information in weeks, not days, said Chris Van Deusen, a Texas Department of State Health Services spokesperson. A statewide survey of deaths caused by the storm is underway, he said. But the state wont have a good indication until death certificates are filed...................
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Read more: https://www.texastribune.org/2021/02/19/texas-power-outage-winter-storm-deaths/?utm_campaign=trib-social&utm_content=1613774080&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter
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Winter Storm 2021
As Texas faced record-low temperatures this February and snow and ice made roads impassable, the states electric grid operator lost control of the power supply, leaving millions without access to electricity. As the blackouts extended from hours to days, top state lawmakers called for investigations into the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, and Texans demanded accountability for the disaster. We have compiled a list of resources for Texans who are seeking help, or places to get warm. To get updates sent straight to your phone, text "hello" to 512-967-6919 or visit this page to sign up. More in this series
niyad
(113,293 posts)the wall plug-in types and the portable ones. Back-up tanks are only good for about eight hours, if I remember correctly.
TexasTowelie
(112,167 posts)If a patient only receives a portable oxygen concentrator then they are also supplied with a replacement battery.
If a patient is discharged from a hospital with COVID and no other diagnosis, then they receive a loaner POC for transport back home and then they receive a stationary O2 concentrator. It makes sense because if the patient has COVID, then they shouldn't need a POC so that they can go around and transmit the virus to other people.
My brother did have one setup earlier this week which he had to postpone since there was no electricity at the patient's home. The patient stayed with relatives so my brother set him up at that residence.
Fortunately, the hospitalization rate is down substantially since a few weeks ago so the hospitals are not discharging patients at the same rate as they were at the end of last month.
snpsmom
(678 posts)My mom has a plug-in concentrator and was not given a battery with it. We purchased one for her, but folks on limited incomes might find the cost of a good one prohibitive. And one that lasts 40+ hours, in freezing temps? I dont know about that.
riversedge
(70,206 posts)dalton99a
(81,485 posts)https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2021/02/18/texas-animal-sanctuary-freeze-death-primates-priscilla-feral-intv-nr-vpx.cnn
After rolling power outages plunged much of Texas into darkness, animals at the San Antonio Primarily Primates sanctuary froze to death in the winter weather. Priscilla Feral, the sanctuary's president, spoke with CNN's Brianna Keilar about their situation.
Source: CNN