The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory and Wind Chill Warning for the Aurora area, forecasting dangerously cold for December 21-23. Although we only expect 1 to 3 inches of snow in the Aurora area, wind chills could reach as low as -50 degrees Fahrenheit. Be careful, be prepared, and check with neighbors who may need help. Learn more about preparing for winter with the city’s Weather Wise guide, Ready.gov, or the Colorado Red Cross.
Below are some tips from Aurora Water, Xcel Energy, Ready.gov, the Aurora Animal Shelter, and the Aurora Homeless Program on preparing for the storm.
Transportation Services/Winter Shelter
Everyone deserves a safe and warm place to sleep. Although the City of Aurora is not a direct provider of services, it funds agencies in the community to provide services to the homeless.
The Aurora Day Resource Center is available for shelter during life-threatening severe weather conditions (20 degrees or below). The center is located at 13387 E. 19th Place and will be activated as a 24/7 space through Thursday, December 22. This center accommodates about 200 people per night and is run by Mile High Behavioral Healthcare. Center staff will provide referrals to families for family-designated shelters, such as the Comitis Crisis Center.
The city’s Aurora Cold Weather Outreach Team (ACOT) will be activated beginning Wednesday, December 21. This team is a collaboration between the Aurora Police Department, Aurora Fire Department, street outreach personnel, and mental health professionals who conduct outreach to homeless encampments on weeknights. cold weather to encourage them to access shelter. This team provides resources and transportation to the shelters.
Mile High Behavioral Healthcare’s Colfax Community Network will also provide transportation to the Aurora Day Resource Center on December 21 and 22 and will be open as a family warming center during the day.
Camp reductions are not completed during extreme weather conditions (snow or extreme cold – 20 degrees or below) for the safety of everyone involved. However, the city will continue its outreach efforts this week to help the homeless access shelter, including Pallet shelters and the Aurora Day Resource Center.
Aurora is in three counties, which are major local health and human services agencies, also providing assistance to the homeless.
For additional information, visit AuroraGov.org/Homelessness.
Protecting the pipes in your house
Aurora Water offers the following tips on how to keep your home’s pipes from freezing during extreme cold:
Leave cabinet doors open in your bathrooms and kitchen to allow hot air to circulate around the pipes. Remember to store household chemicals and cleaners out of the reach of children and pets. If you have an older home or business with pipes that are prone to freezing, let cold water drip from your faucets. Running water through the pipe, even as a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing. Make sure all hoses are disconnected from outside faucets. If you plan to be out of town, keep your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, it can get cold enough to freeze pipes anywhere in your home or business. Make sure there are no air gaps in exterior walls where air could blow over the pipes, especially in your basement. Locate your master water shutoff so you can shut off the water where it enters your home or business if a leak or break occurs.
NOTE: If you think your pipes are frozen, the quickest fix is to call a plumber to check them. For more information on preventing or thawing frozen pipes, or for help locating your water meter or master shutoff, call Aurora Water’s Customer Service line at 303.326.8645.
What to do if a power outage occurs?
While heavy, wet snow is more likely to cause power outages than extreme cold, Xcel Energy is preparing personnel and utilities for outages related to the next cold weather event.
If you suspect a natural gas leak, leave your home or building immediately, call 911, and then contact Xcel at 800.895.2999.
If you experience an outage, please report it to https://co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/outage-safety or text the word “Out” to 98936.
If the power goes out, there are a few steps to follow:
Keep windows and doors closed, and use towels to cover any gaps that might let in outside air. Open faucets with a trickle to prevent frozen pipes. Check in on elderly or disabled neighbors who may need help. Plan ahead to have batteries and alternate power sources available to meet your needs when the power goes out, such as a portable charger or power bank. Never run a generator indoors. Have flashlights for each member of the household.
Protect pets from the cold
Per city ordinance, all pets must have adequate protection from the weather and have access to food and water. The following safety tips apply to dogs and cats:
Limit the time pets are outdoors during freezing temperatures. A poorly insulated shelter may not provide the warmth needed to keep a pet safe when temperatures drop below freezing. Pets exposed to harsh weather conditions for an extended period of time can cause hypothermia, frostbite, or even death. Also, the water available to them is likely to freeze. If you decide to take your dog for a walk, do so at noon, when it’s usually the hottest. Walks should be short to limit your exposure to the cold. Dogs with shorter coats, small dogs, and older pets can easily feel the effects of the cold. Providing your dog with a coat, sweater, or booties can be beneficial in keeping him warm. Booties can also protect their paws from the harsh chemicals used to defrost. Consider using pet-safe salt to melt snow.
Neglecting a pet’s needs can result in a cruelty charge, a hefty fine, and in some cases, the confiscation of the animal. If you believe a pet is being abused, please contact our Animal Protection Officers. at 303.326.8288, option 6. (Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm; Weekends, 7 am to 4 pm) For after-hours reports, contact the police dispatch that non-emergency at 303.627.3100.
For more pet tips and shelter news, follow the Aurora Animal Shelter on Facebook at Facebook.com/AuroraCoAnimalShelter or visit AuroraAnimalShelter.org.
Source: news.google.com