As summer-like heat moves into Houston this week, residents in Kashmere Gardens and the nearby Fifth Ward are growing worried. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) says the power grid should remain stable, but many locals say they cannot rely on that promise.
One critical location in the neighborhood is the Kashmere Gardens Multiservice Center. Last year, the city approved funding to install a permanent emergency generator there. However, installation is still six to eight months away. This delay leaves the community vulnerable if the power goes out during extreme heat.
Experts say people should start preparing now. It can take the body up to a week to adjust to hot temperatures. Staying hydrated is key, especially in the early days of a heat wave.
“The body hasn’t had time to adjust yet,” said Sara Andrabi, a professor at Baylor College of Medicine. “The transition from winter to warmer months can be especially hard.”
Residents like Sandra Edwards and Walter Mallett are all too familiar with the need to adapt. They say Kashmere Gardens has faced repeated power outages in the past, often caused by severe heat or storms. They’ve also learned to live with long waits for promised improvements.
“Every time it’s this community, it’s always a waiting game,” said Edwards. “When the city approved the generator last year, people were hopeful. But we’re still waiting.”
The Kashmere Gardens Multiservice Center plays an important role in the neighborhood. It often operates as a warming or cooling shelter during extreme weather. But without a generator, it had to close during recent events like the derecho and Hurricane Beryl.
“People have lost hope,” said Mallett. “We need real proof that something is actually happening. All we’ve done is wait.”
The Houston Health Department confirmed that the permanent generator is still several months away. However, officials said they are putting plans in place to connect a temporary generator to the center in the meantime.
ERCOT says the power grid should hold up during this heat wave. But many in the community remain skeptical. They worry about what will happen next time.
“My concern is: will people be okay during this heat?” said Edwards. “They always say there’s nothing to worry about—until it’s time to worry.”
While the city explains that generators take time to order and install, officials are encouraging residents to use public spaces to stay cool. City libraries and multiservice centers will remain open during regular business hours as safe places to escape the heat.
