ALBUQUERQUE— As temperatures begin to drop, the city of Albuquerque is prepared to help people stay safe this winter. Today, Mayor Tim Keller and city leaders shared updated cold weather plans, from sheltering people to keeping major roads clear. As part of the Metro Homelessness Initiative (MHI), the city has created a new Shelter Connect Dashboard to connect people experiencing homelessness with shelter.

In cold weather, unsheltered individuals are at risk of cold-related injuries. To get people inside, Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) will again operate an after-hours emergency transportation service. Between 8:00 PM and 7:00 AM, the public can call (505) 418-6178 to request transportation. ACS will give people a ride to the First Responder Reception Area in the Gateway Center to have a warm bed for the night. People will then be connected to shelter and services for the longer term.

The new Shelter Connect Dashboard shows first responders where shelter beds are available across the city. The city may add winter shelter capacity to Gateway West and the First Responder Reception Area if additional beds are needed. The city provides a warm bed for everyone who is homeless.

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

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

“ACS wants to ensure that no one is left out in the cold. Our team is ready on site to transport people in need to a safe place, regardless of the hour. This is a critical part of our mission to provide compassionate, community-centered care under the toughest circumstances,” the spokesperson said Jodie Esquibel, Albuquerque community safety director.

During the winter months there is an increase in dangerous outdoor fires. To limit the risk to life and property, AFR’s Outside Fire Response Truck will be put into service this month earlier than in previous years. When firefighters extinguish campfires, people are offered a connection to shelter through ACS. For anyone who wants to stay outside, this year’s Outdoor Firefighting Team will be equipped with blankets and jackets to distribute to individuals. AFR encourages anyone who sees fire activity to call 911.

“Outdoor temperatures are dropping and AFR crews are already starting to see an increase in outdoor fires,” said Deputy Chief Jimmy Melek. “Preparations have already been made to put our outdoor fire truck into use. It is expected that it will be put into use in the coming weeks. Last year, the truck responded to more than 1,700 external fire calls from late December to mid-April.”

Preparing for winter also means making preparations to keep the main thoroughfares clear. During a winter storm, the Ministry of Municipal Development can deploy up to 74 staff 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 be mindful of 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 shivering
• Decreased heart rate and weak pulse
• Stiff muscles
• Lack of coordination
• Pale or blue gums

If your companion animal exhibits any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

“The Department of Animal Welfare would like to remind pet owners that the best place for a companion animal when it is cold is indoors,” said Carolyn Ortega, director of the Animal Welfare Department. “Animals should be moved indoors, especially in freezing temperatures.”

The city’s Animal Welfare Department has partnered with Bernalillo County Animal Services to offer bedding while supplies last. Call one of the numbers below to reserve bed linen.

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