Cold-Weather Tips

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook through Monday, Jan. 20, bringing an arctic airmass with bitterly cold air to Colorado beginning Saturday and lasting through Monday night. Below are some tips from Aurora's Homelessness Services, Aurora Animal Shelter, Aurora Water and Xcel Energy. Please take care, be prepared and check on neighbors who may need assistance.

Shelter/transportation services

Aurora Day Resource Center

Effective Jan. 17, the Aurora Day Resource Center, located at 13387 E. 19th Place, will no longer serve as an overnight cold-weather shelter. However, daily transportation to overnight shelters will be provided from this location between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. throughout the winter season.

Please note that cold-weather activations will no longer be announced, as transportation services will be available every day during the winter months.

Individuals will be transported back to the Aurora Day Resource Center the following morning between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.

Questions? Call the Aurora Day Resource Center at 303.343.7808

Aurora Cold Weather Outreach Team (ACOT)

The Aurora Cold Weather Outreach Team (ACOT) will be activated Friday, Jan. 17, through Monday, Jan. 20, to support individuals experiencing homelessness during extreme cold. ACOT is mobilized on nights when temperatures drop to 20 degrees or below or when precipitation and cold weather combine, typically below 40 degrees.

This vital effort is a collaboration among the Aurora Police Department, Aurora Fire Rescue, street outreach staff, and mental health professionals. The team visits encampments to connect with individuals, encouraging them to seek shelter and offering resources and transportation to ensure their safety during cold weather.

For additional information, visit AuroraGov.org/Homelessness.

Protecting pets from the cold

According to 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 stay outdoors during freezing temperatures.
• A poorly insulated shelter may not provide the warmth needed to keep a pet safe when temperatures dip below freezing. Pets exposed to harsh weather conditions for an extended period of time can result in hypothermia, frostbite or even death. Further, water available to them is likely to freeze.
• If you decide to walk your dog, do so midday when it is typically the warmest. Walks should be short to limit their exposure to the cold. Dogs with shorter fur coats, small dogs and senior pets can easily feel the effects of the cold. Providing your dog with a coat, sweater or booties can be beneficial in keeping them warm. Booties can also protect their paws from harsh chemicals used for deicing. Please consider using pet safe salt for snow melt.

Being neglectful to a pet's needs can result in a cruelty charge, a hefty fine and in some cases confiscation of the animal. If you believe a pet is being mistreated, please contact our Animal Protection Officers at 303.326.8288, option 6, available daily, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For after-hours reports, please contact police non-emergency dispatch at 303.627.3100.

For additional pet tips visit visit AuroraAnimalShelter.org or follow the shelter on Facebook and Instagram at @AuroraCoAnimalShelter.

Protecting your pipes

Here are some tips from Aurora Water to help you protect your plumbing during sub-zero temperatures.

• Leave cabinet doors open in your bathrooms and kitchen to allow warm air to circulate around the plumbing. Don't forget to move household chemicals and cleaners out of the reach of kids and pets.
• If you have an older home or business with pipes prone to freezing, allow cold water to drip from your faucets. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Ensure all hoses are disconnected from outside spigots.
• If you plan to be out of town, keep your thermostat set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, it may get cold enough to freeze pipes anywhere in the home or business.
• Make sure there are no air gaps on the outside walls where air can blow on the pipes, especially in your basement.
• Locate your master water shutoff so you can turn off your water where it comes into your home or business if a leak or break occurs.

If you believe your pipes are frozen, the quickest solution is to call a plumber to have your pipes checked. 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?

If you experience a power outage, please report it to or text "Out" to 98936. If your power does go out, there are some steps to take:

• Keep windows and doors shut and use towels to plug any gaps that may let in outside air.
• Turn faucets on to a trickle to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Check on neighbors who are older or disabled and may need assistance.
• Plan ahead to have batteries and alternative 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 every household member.

Learn other tips at xcelenergy.com.