Winter is coming… and the city is ready to help – the City of Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE – As temperatures begin to drop, the City of Albuquerque is ready to help people stay safe this winter. Today, Mayor Tim Keller and city leaders unveiled updated plans for the cold weather, from keeping people in shelters to keeping major roads clear. As part of the Metro Homelessness Initiative (MHI), the city created a new Shelter Connect dashboard to connect people experiencing homelessness with shelter.

In cold weather, unprotected people are at risk of cold-related injuries. To help get people inside, Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) will again offer its after-hours emergency transportation service. Between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., the public may call (505) 418-6178 to request transportation. ACS will drive people to the first responder reception area at the Gateway Center to have a warm bed for the night. People are then connected to longer-term housing and services.

The new Shelter Connect dashboard shows first responders where emergency shelters are available across the city. The City has the ability to expand winter shelter capacity at Gateway West and the First Responder Receiving Area if additional beds are needed. The city provides all homeless people with a warm bed.

“We just had our first freeze in Albuquerque and are ready to get anyone who accepts help to a safe, warm bed,” he said Mayor Tim Keller. “Cold weather can quickly become life-threatening for homeless people. That’s why we’re working across the city and with our partners to connect people who need the services.”

“We are committed to minimizing health risks and providing critical protective resources to the most vulnerable people in our community during extreme cold,” he said Gilbert Ramirez, Director of Health, Housing and Homelessness. “Through our plan and protocols, we are prepared to provide an appropriate response that meets the needs of our unsheltered community.”

“ACS is committed to ensuring that no one is left out in the cold. Our team is on site and ready at any time to bring those in need to a safe place. This is a critical part of our mission to provide compassionate, community-focused care in the harshest conditions,” he said Jodie Esquibel, Albuquerque Community Safety Director.

Dangerous outdoor fires become more common in the winter months. To reduce risk to life and property, AFR's Outside Fire Response Truck will begin operations earlier this month than in past years. When firefighters extinguish campfires, people are offered a connection to shelters via ACS. For anyone who wants to stay outside, this year the Outside Fire Response Team will be equipped with blankets and coats to distribute to individuals. AFR recommends that anyone who sees fire activity call 911.

“Outdoor temperatures are dropping and AFR crews are already seeing an increase in the number of outdoor fires,” he said Assistant Chief Jimmy Melek. “Preparations are already underway for the commissioning of our external fire engine. It is expected to become operational in the next few weeks. Last year, the truck responded to over 1,700 outside fire calls from late December to mid-April.”

Preparing for winter also means keeping major roads clear. During a winter storm, the Department of Community Development can deploy up to 74 employees and 40 trucks to plow and salt roads. DMD has four salt domes, each serving a different quadrant of the city.

This is also an important time to remind pet owners to think about their furry family during the cold winter months. Bring your pets indoors when temperatures drop below freezing and know the signs of hypothermia in pets.

Signs of hypothermia

• Uncontrollable shaking
• Decreased heartbeat and weak pulse
• Stiff muscles
• Lack of coordination
• Pale or blue gums

If your pet shows any of these signs, seek immediate veterinary care.

“The Department of Animal Welfare would like to remind pet owners that the best place for any pet when it is cold is their own home,” he said Carolyn Ortega, head of animal welfare. “Animals should be brought indoors, especially when temperatures are below zero.”

The city's Animal Control Department is working with Bernalillo County Animal Services to provide straw bedding while supplies last. Call one of the numbers below to reserve linens.

• Bernalillo County Animal Care Services, (505) 314-0280
• Albuquerque Animal Shelter, 311 (768-2000)