CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The City Of Corpus Christi has laid out its plan of action to deal with several days of frigid weather.
Mayor Paulette Guajardo says there are three priorities: protect seniors, protect the homeless, and protect pets.
Warming centers will be opening to provide shelters for residents in need.
More details on the location of those shelters will be released on Friday.
8 facilities are expected to open as warming shelters. Their hours of operation will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m..
Residents are also asked to make sure their pets are protected from the cold.
Pets must be brought inside if temperatures are below freezing. Animal Care Services can issue owners fines or seize pets if their animals are not brought in during freezing conditions.
City Manager Peter Zanoni asks residents to stay safe and check one another during this cold spell.
The city's goal, said Zanoni, is to protect life and property.
A multi-agency effort begins Thursday to achieve that goal.
Involved in what is expected to be a days-long effort will be the City of Corpus Christi, the Texas Department of Emergency Management, Texas Department of Transportation, the Port of Corpus Christi, Nueces county, AEP/Texas, Corpus Christi Council of Governments, Downtown Management District, Christus Spohn, the Robstown Fire Department, the City of Portland and the American Red Cross.
The city manager says a major goal will be to make sure no homeless person remains outside during this cold spell.
The Salvation army will be the lead agency in local efforts to provide shelter to the homeless.
They have increased capacity at their shelter on the Crosstown Expressway and if they run out of room, they will be the referral agency to send the homeless to other shelters.
People who want to donate jackets or blankets are asked to drop them off at the Salvation Army office at 521 Josephine.
The city also plans to open its Emergency Operation Center on Sunday to monitor the weather conditions. The city's call center will be activated on the weekend if needed. That number is 361-826-CITY.
To report possible animal neglect, call 361-826-2489 for Animal Care Service or the police non-emergency number at 361-886-2600.
The Corpus Christi International Airport is also preparing for the cold weather.
Pedestrian walkways, terminals, and entrances will be sanded, heating elements have been checked and airport staff is undergoing re-training on ice condition operations.
De-icing equipment has also been put on standby.
The airport remains open and staff will do what's needed to continue having air service.
City Public Works crews along with T.X.D.O.T. crews will be on call over the weekend.
Beginning Friday, barricades will be pre-positioned in case they're needed for road closures.
Tree crews are on standby in case there are calls for downed tree limbs.
The city manager says the best thing to do is remain at home.
If you are out and about, expect delays, especially Monday and Tuesday, and to drive slowly.
Of particular concern are the JKF Causeway and the Harbor Bridge.
The Corpus Christi Police Department will monitor them for icing conditions. The Corpus Christi Fire Department also asks residents to be careful with space heaters. Residents should be on the lookout for fire danger.
Also, make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector.
If power goes out or if power lines snap, call AEP/Texas at 1-877-373-4858 or 1-866-223-8508.
The Corpus Christi Marina is also securing boats and making contact with live aboard tenants to make sure they are prepared for the cold weather.
Garbage pickup, recycling, and brush pickup will continue as scheduled.
Water and wastewater operations will continue normally as will gas operations.
Residents are asked to take precautions with exposed pipes.
If you have an irrigation system, you're asked not to irrigate on Monday or Tuesday.
Public pools will close Saturday through Tuesday.
Ben Garza gym will also close Saturday through Tuesday.
Curbside meal service for seniors will be closed however meals will be provided on Friday that should last through next week.
The home-delivered meals program will also be suspended but again, enough meals will be provided Friday to last through next week.
Also closed are the After Hour Kid Power program.
C.C.I.S.D. campuses will be closed on Monday but Calallen I.S.D will be open.
The Valentine Trunk or Treat event at Salinas Park has been rescheduled for February 20.
