Cold Weather Tips and Emergency Alerts
Published on January 16, 2026
SAN ANTONIO (January 16, 2026) – The National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting a sharp drop in temperatures on Sunday morning. This cold front is a timely reminder to get ready for the season and take a few simple steps to protect the 4 P’s: people, pets, property, and pipes.
People
Stay warm by dressing in layers. Check on family, friends, and neighbors who may be vulnerable to the cold, including older adults and those with special needs.
City libraries, community centers, and senior centers are open during regular hours for anyone needing a warm place. Find locations at SA.gov/ColdWeather. For help to find a place to stay warm, call 3-1-1 (210-207-6000) or use the 311SA app.
Unsheltered Neighbors
The City collaborates with local nonprofit partners to reach unsheltered neighbors, sharing cold-weather alerts. The Homeless Services and Strategy Department started offering transportation to shelters and distributing emergency blankets and supplies to neighbors who decline shelter. In addition to traditional shelter options, Corazon San Antonio will open at Travis Park Church on Sunday, January 18 at 8 a.m. to provide a warm meal and other services for unsheltered residents. For shelter availability or to connect someone to street outreach, call the Community Connections Hotline at 210-207-1799 (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.). The hotline will be closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 19.
Pets
Keep pets warm and safe.
- Bring pets indoors or use a garage or insulated shelter that provides protection from the elements.
- Shorthaired dogs, young or senior pets, and all cats should not be left outside in winter; shorthaired dogs may need a sweater.
- Outdoor pets may need extra food to stay warm.
- Provide clean, unfrozen water daily.
- Store antifreeze and chemicals safely, even small amounts are deadly to pets.
- Tap your car hood before starting the engine to avoid injuring hidden cats.
State law bans chaining dogs and leaving them restrained outdoors during extreme weather, including below 32°F. San Antonio Animal Care Services has zero tolerance for extreme weather violations can result in fines up to $2,000 and jail time for repeat offenses. Report concerns to 311 (210-207-6000).
Plants
Bring potted plants inside and for outdoor plants, cover them to prevent them from freezing.
Pipes
San Antonio Water System (SAWS) customers should protect pipes by disconnecting and draining hoses, covering outdoor faucets and backflow devices, and insulating pipes in unheated areas like garages. It is also important to turn off irrigation systems and cover in-ground valve boxes.
If pipes freeze, know where the water meter cutoff valve is and how to turn off water at the meter: Turning Off Your Water video. For more information from SAWS on how to prepare for cold weather, visit: SAWS.org/BeReady(English) or SAWS.org/Preparate (Spanish).
CPS Energy Tips
CPS Energy urges residents to stay safe and conserve energy during the winter season to save money by keeping thermostats at 68°F when home, using space heaters and generators safely, insulating homes and pipes, and maintaining heating systems. For more information from CPS Energy on winter preparedness, visit CPSEnergy.com/Winter.
CPS Energy customers can sign up for Energy Alerts online by calling 210-353-2222. Residents should stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately at 210-353-4357 (HELP). Customers in need of assistance should contact CPS Energy at 210-353-2222 or utilize the Assistance Finder tool. CPS Energy reminds customers that if they smell gas to leave their home and call 911 immediately.
Emergency Alerts
Visit SA.Gov/Alerts to make sure emergency alerts are turned on, stay informed about potential severe weather, and monitor any official evacuation or public safety alerts in San Antonio.
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