Bay Area Freeze Warning: Protect Pets, Plants, and Yourself

Residents in the Bay Area are bracing for a significant drop in temperatures, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a freeze warning. This cold snap is expected to bring wind chills into the upper 20s and low 30s.

Impact on Pets and Plants

As temperatures fall, it is crucial for pet owners to remember that pets feel the cold just as humans do. Veterinarians advise bringing both indoor and outdoor pets inside to protect them from the harsh conditions. Outdoor walks should be shortened, and time spent outside should be closely monitored.

Dr. Jenese Williams from Kingdom Pet Hospital emphasizes that pets can lose body heat quickly. They are susceptible to hypothermia if exposed to cold for extended periods. Therefore, taking precautions is vital.

Cold weather also poses a threat to local flora. Many plants common in Central Florida, such as tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, are not resilient to frost. Experts recommend covering these plants with a light tarp or sheet to provide some heat retention.

Space Heater Safety

As individuals rely on space heaters for warmth, fire safety is paramount. Residents should place heaters on stable, non-flammable surfaces, keeping them at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable materials. It is critical to plug heaters directly into wall outlets and to turn them off when leaving the room or going to sleep.

Cold Weather Shelters Opening

With plummeting temperatures, Hillsborough County has opened several cold-weather shelters to assist those in need. The Hyde Park United Methodist Church is one of the largest facilities, accommodating up to 80 individuals and opening its doors every night when temperatures drop below 40 degrees.

The demand for shelters is high, with recent estimates indicating that around 800 individuals in Hillsborough County are experiencing homelessness. Felicia Crosby-Rucker, director of homeless and community services, attributes the increasing need for emergency shelter to the rising cost of living.

Available Cold Weather Shelters in the Bay Area

• Pinellas County shelters (6:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.):
• Boys & Girls Club of the Suncoast, Tarpon Springs — 111 W. Lime St.
• First United Methodist Church, Clearwater — 411 Turner St.
• First United Methodist Church, Pinellas Park — 9025 49th St N.
• Unitarian Universalist Church, St. Petersburg — 100 Mirror Lake Dr. N.
• Hillsborough County shelters (6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.):
• Church of God of Prophecy Hyde Park — 107 S. Oregon Ave., Tampa
• Hyde Park United Methodist Church — 500 W Platt St., Tampa
• Amazing Love Ministries — 3304 E Columbus Dr., Tampa
• The Portico — 1001 N Florida Ave., Tampa
• Tampa Bay Mission of Hope — 110 Parsons Blvd., Brandon
• Greater New Hope Church Anointed Ministries — 2104 Mud Lake Rd., Plant City
• Citrus County:
• Nature Coast Church — 5113 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa
• Polk County:
• Talbot House Ministries — 814 Kentucky Ave, Lakeland
• Pasco County:
• Shady Hills Mission Chapel — 15925 Greenglen Lane, Spring Hill

Officials encourage individuals without homes to seek assistance at these shelters during the ongoing cold spell. Doors will reopen on successive nights as temperatures continue to drop.