SAN ANTONIO — Ahead of a pre-Christmas blast of cold air that will cause temperatures to plummet this week, San Antonio is planning ahead by opening several warming centers Thursday afternoon.
That will be the last day of seasonal conditions before the arctic plunge; San Antonio is not expected to escape the teens Friday, and even more brutal cold is in store for the Hill Country.
Seven sites around Bexar County will be converted into short-term shelters where anyone can come for warmth starting at 3 p.m. Thursday, city officials say. They are:
- Normoyle Community Center (700 Culberson Ave.)
- South Side Lions Senior Center (3303 Pecan Valley Dr.)
- Garza Community Center (1450 Mira Vista)
- Christ the King Lutheran Church (1129 Pat Booker Rd. in Universal City)
- Emergency Services District 5 (7120 East 6th St. in Somerset)
- Emergency Services District 3 (23103 Bulverde Rd.)
- Emergency Services District 7 (11617 Galm Rd.)
The Patrick Heath Public Library will also serve as a warming center from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. starting on Thursday and going through Monday. The library is located at 451 North Main Street in Boerne.
Officials in Boerne say that if anyone experiences a utility outage, they should report it by calling (830) 249-9511 and press option 1 during business hours. Call (830) 248-1633 during any other time.
Officials say kennels for pets will be available at the Normoyle, South Side Lions and Garza shelters, and they advise that anyone going to the warming centers bring clothes, supplies and necessary medicine.
"We are receiving more neglect calls and it has been going on for a few days and so we just expect it to get worse tonight," said Aimee Decontreras with Animal Care Services. "We have two crews working right now that are getting all the neglect calls that we possibly can and talking to citizens and residents and trying to get information on what their cold action plan is for tonight. Ultimately, the best thing is that if you do have heat in your home, bring your animal in, into the garage, into your home."
VIA will also offer free travel to or from the warming centers once they're operational.
Those planning on staying home should also make sure they're prepared, including if they want their plants to survive. Click here for more information.
Follow the latest from KENS 5 meteorologists here as the Friday freeze approaches.
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