As the city of San Antonio is expected to reach freezing temperatures this weekend and into Monday, officials are asking residents to take precautions.
City officials said you should follow the four Ps—people, pets, plants, and pipes and be extra careful when traveling on roadways.
People
City officials said residents can prepare themselves by staying warm and dressing in layers. Check on your elderly family and neighbors to ensure they have access to heat and warm clothing.
The city’s Department of Human Services said they have been working with nonprofit organizations to prepare overnight shelters and meals for those experiencing homelessness.
Nonprofit workers began outreach to known homeless encampments on Wednesday. Officials said they are continuing to provide information and transportation to shelters as well as handing out cold-weather supplies.
The city will provide a homeless connections hotline Sunday for those looking to help individuals connect with assistance during cold weather. The homeless connections hotline number is 210-208-1799.
For tenants and homeowners, the city is preparing to open four warming centers on Sunday. These centers will serve as a short-term emergency shelter and will open if conditions worsen due to freezing temps, heavy winds, or cold weather power outages.
City officials said they will provide specific locations on Sunday morning if the warming centers open.
Pets
Pets should be brought inside, away from the cold. If a resident cannot bring in their pet, you should purchase an insulated and protective enclosure that will provide them with a safe and warm place to stay.
Officials said that shorthaired dogs or dogs that are very young or old, and cats should not be left outside during the winter. As an extra precaution, officials recommend shorthaired dogs wear a sweater while outside.
The city recommends everyone to bang on their car hood once or twice before warming up their car. Cats can crawl into the warm engines and the noise should scare away the cats before you start the engine, officials say. Anti-freeze should also be put out of reach from pets as they are attracted to the sweet taste.
If you notice a pet outside without proper care or in need of shelter, the city asks that you call 3-1-1 or visit saacs.info/311. Animal Care Services officers will be practicing zero tolerance and will cite for violations.
Plants
City officials recommend that potted plants be brought inside to protect them from dying. If you have outdoor plants you want to protect, they should be covered with a cloth fabric.
Pipes
Residents can protect their pipes from freezing by covering all outdoor pipes. City officials recommend that you also allow your faucets to slowly drip to prevent them from freezing as well.
Roads and Traffic
San Antonio police and the Public Works departments say they are prepared to activate the city’s ice plan if precipitation occurs. Public Works said they have crews on-call if traffic equipment malfunctions due to wind conditions.
You can also keep up with current traffic conditions and road delays on KSAT’s traffic page.
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The city is also working with CPS Energy and the San Antonio Water System to coordinate preparedness plans.
You can reach the city’s customer service line at 3-1-1. The service line hours will remain open Sunday from 8 a.m. until midnight.
In the event of power outages or severe weather conditions, KSAT will bring you latest on air and on our website.