Cold Weather Tips from City of San Antonio and partners
Published on December 10, 2024
SAN ANTONIO (December 10, 2024) – The National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting significantly colder temperatures in San Antonio that will reach the 30s early Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Although a freeze warning has been issued, the forecast does not predict freezing temperatures in the urban areas of San Antonio. This cold front should act as a reminder for people to prepare for the upcoming season and remember some quick lessons to keep people, property, and pets safe.
The City and partners strongly urge all residents to prepare for cold weather by remembering the Four Ps: People, Pets, Plants & Pipes.
People
Keep warm and dress in layers. Check on family, friends and neighbors who may be more vulnerable to the colder weather or may not have access to housing and heating, including the elderly and those with special needs.
City libraries, community centers, and senior centers are places to stay warm during regular business hours. For a map of places to stay warm, visit SA.gov/ColdWeather.
The San Antonio Fire Department recommends:
- Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
- Install and maintain CO (carbon monoxide) alarms to avoid the risk of CO poisoning.
- Never use your oven to heat your home.
- Never use a generator indoors.
- Always plug portable heaters directly into a wall socket (no power strips).
- Remember to unplug portable heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
- Never leave children unattended in a room with a space heater.
- Test smoke alarms at least once a month.
311 Customer Service is open Monday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and until 11 p.m. for urgent requests. Residents may call 311 (210-207-6000).
Unsheltered Populations
The City of San Antonio’s Department of Human Services works with nonprofit partners to provide outreach to the unsheltered population. Outreach teams alert people of impending colder weather, offer transportation to shelters, and provide emergency blankets.
The Corazon Day Center will extend hours on Wednesday, December 11, to welcome unsheltered clients from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The Homeless Connections Hotline (210-207-1799) is available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to provide up-to-date shelter information and to connect unsheltered individuals to street outreach.
Pets
With significantly colder temperatures expected, it is best to take steps now to protect your pets.
- Bring pets inside. If you cannot have your pet inside the house, bring them in the garage, purchase an insulated doghouse, or build a protective enclosure that shields them from the elements and gives them a safe, warm place to rest.
- Shorthaired dogs, very young or old dogs, and all cats should not be left outside during winter months. Shorthaired dogs may benefit from a sweater while outside.
- Outdoor pets will need some extra food as it gets colder because they use up more energy trying to stay warm.
- Always provide fresh, clean water regardless of the season. Check water daily and clean bowls regularly to prevent algae growth.
- Antifreeze is deadly to pets. Store all chemicals out of reach, especially if you are going to bring your pets into the garage on cold nights.
- Before heading out to warm up the car, bang on the hood. A warm engine can be a welcome spot for a cold cat and the noise should scare them away.
State law says dogs cannot be tethered with any size chain at any time; it also states dogs cannot be left outdoors restrained and unattended in the case of officially defined extreme weather or situations in which an animal is in severe distress including conditions in which the actual or effective outdoor temperature is below 32F.
Potential violators can face impoundment of their pet, fines up to $2,000 and 180 days in jail for repeat offenders. To report suspected violations, call 311 (210-207-6000).
Plants
Plants may need to be covered or brought inside to avoid frost damage.
Pipes
Although the temperatures are not expected to be at or below freezing in the urban areas, this is a good reminder to prepare your home for the winter season. Follow these San Antonio Water System (SAWS) tips to avoid the cost and inconvenience of frozen pipes when hard freezes occur in our area.
Prepare & Protect Your Pipes: In very cold weather, ice can form quickly and burst exposed water lines. Follow these tips to avoid the cost and inconvenience of frozen pipes during hard freezes in our area.
Plan Ahead: Most water damage can be avoided by taking simple steps ahead of time:
- Know where your meter cutoff valve is. If pipes freeze, SAWS has a video on how to turn off water at the meter: https://youtu.be/BYp_9JZQb3A (English)
- Disconnect anything outdoors connected to a hose bib. Also cover hose bibs and any other exposed pipes.
- Turn off irrigation systems and close the shut-off valve if you have one.
- Ensure that all in-ground valve boxes have covers or fill the space with rags.
- Pool equipment should be insulated and leave the pumps running; have a freeze protector installed for best results.
Insulate: You can use foam or fiberglass insulation, or even old rags, bags, and tape to protect your pipes in unheated areas, including:
- Garages or sheds containing washing machines, water heaters, water softeners, etc.
- Plumbing in cabinets on outside walls (or leave the cabinet doors open to allow warmer indoor air to circulate.)
- Exposed pipes in the crawl space of homes with pier & beam foundations, prefab, or mobile construction.
- Above-ground backflow devices.
SAWS has created a webpage with information in both English and Spanish to prepare for cold weather: saws.org/BeReady (English) or saws.org/Preparate (Spanish).
CPS Energy
Winter preparedness pages are available in both English and Spanish. Customers are encouraged to sign up for Energy Alerts or call (210) 353-2222 to provide their emergency contact information for the utility to reach them in the case of an emergency. CPS Energy reminds residents to stay away from downed power lines and report them at 210-353-4357 (HELP). Do NOT attempt to move or drive over the lines.
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