Cold snap brings freeze warning to Bay Area; Here’s how to protect animals, plants and yourself

TAMPA – Get ready to bundle up as temperatures across the Tampa Bay area drop this evening, with wind chills dipping into the upper 20s and low 30s.

What we know:

The National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning for northern counties, urging residents to take precautions as the first major cold snap of the season approaches.

Local veterinarians are reminding residents that if you’re cold, your pets are cold too.

Pets and outdoor animals should be brought indoors, and pet owners are encouraged to shorten walks and closely monitor time spent outdoors.

What they say:

“The cold affects them just as it would affect us – and sometimes even more. Pets can lose body heat quickly, so it’s important to consider the amount of time they spend outside,” said Dr. Jenese Williams of Kingdom Pet Hospital.

Experts warn that hypothermia can become a real concern for animals exposed to low temperatures for too long.

Many plants that thrive in Central Florida, including peppers, tomatoes, squash, beans, cucumbers and watermelon, are not designed to handle frost or freezing conditions. Gardening experts recommend covering sensitive plants with a light shade or tarp to trap heat rising from the ground.

David Whitwam of Good Day Garden, with Whitwam Organics, explains:

“These are all plants that cannot tolerate frost or frost. A simple fabric covering can make a big difference overnight.”

Radiator Safety Recalls

As the heaters move out of storage, firefighters remind residents to use them safely. Always place heaters on a flat, non-flammable surface at least three feet away from furniture, curtains and bedding.

• Plug them directly into a wall outlet, never into an extension cord or power strip.
• Turn them off before going to bed or leaving the room.

Exposed pipes and water heaters

“We call it ‘water heater season’ because the cold water coming into the hot tanks shocks the system. So it’s our busiest time of the year,” John Monks, owner of JJM Plumbing, told FOX 13. “Probably from mid-November until maybe the end of February, beginning of March, we’re just bombarded with water heaters.”

Routine water heater maintenance includes removing sediment from the tank annually, Monks recommends.

Homeowners should also keep an eye on their above-ground plumbing systems.

“The best thing to do is insulate. You can buy pipe insulation at places like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware. Get insulation for any exposed pipes that are outside,” Monks said.

Cold weather shelters open tonight

At Hyde Park United Methodist Church, one of Hillsborough County’s largest and oldest cold-weather shelters, people began lining up as early as 3 p.m. Doors opened at 6 p.m.

The church can accommodate up to 80 people, transforming its worship space into rows of mats and temporary sleeping areas. It serves as a shelter reserved for individuals and opens whenever temperatures drop below 40 degrees.

Volunteers say guests actively participate in setup and cleanup, creating a collaborative environment.

“We provide a safe place to have a good rest, where people don’t have to worry about someone stealing their stuff or fear for their personal safety,” said volunteer Vicki Walker.

County officials estimate about 800 people in Hillsborough are homeless as of Monday evening. Felicia Crosby-Rucker, director of Hillsborough County Homeless and Community Services, says the rising cost of living continues to drive the need for emergency shelter.

“We see a lot of people struggling economically and not earning enough to make a living,” she said.

Throughout Hillsborough, shelters provide warm spaces with one meal for 300 individuals and 100 families. Metro Departments’ family rooms are already full, and the county is exploring the possibility of expanding hotel rooms for families with young children.

No identification is required to enter a cold weather shelter in the county. Officials say shelters will reopen Tuesday evening as the cold snap continues.

Here is a list of cold weather shelters in the Bay Area:

Pinellas County Shelters (6:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.):

• Tarpon Sources: Boys & Girls Club of Suncoast — 111 W. Lime St. (PSTA Route 19)
• Clear Water: First United Methodist Church — 411 Turner Street (PSTA Route 52A)
• Pinellas Park: First United Methodist Church — 9025 49th St N. (PSTA Route 49)
• Saint Petersburg: Unitarian Universalist Church — 100 Mirror Lake Dr. N. (PSTA Routes 9, 20, 24, SunRunner)

Hillsborough County shelters are welcoming guests from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the following locations in Tampa, Brandon and Plant City.

• Hyde Park Church of God of Prophecy — 107 S. Oregon Ave. in Tampa
• Hyde Park United Methodist Church — 500 W Platt St. in Tampa
• Amazing Love Ministries — 3304 E Columbus Dr. in Tampa
• The Portico — 1001 N Florida Ave. in Tampa
• Tampa Bay Mission of Hope — 110 Parsons Boulevard. in Brandon
• Anointed Ministries of Greater New Hope Church — 2104 Mud Lake Road. at the Plant City.

Citrus County: Nature Coast Church — 5113 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa (352-234-3099)

Polk County: Talbot House Ministries — 814 Kentucky Ave, Lakeland (863-687-8475)

Pasco County: Shady Hills Missionary Chapel — 15925 Greenglen Lane, Spring Hill (727-856-2948) — Opens at 6 p.m. and closes at 10 a.m.

WeatherTampaFlorida