Keep Pets, Plants, and Pipes Safe During Freezing Temperatures

Published on January 05, 2024

By Office of Communication

With freezing temperatures in this month's forecast, the City of Arlington wants to remind residents to be safe at home and on the road. Here's a handy check list on how to protect your property, pipes, plants and pets during these chilly days and nights. And help keep our streets free of ice by turning off those automated outdoor sprinkler systems at your home or business!

Preparing for Freezing Temperatures

• Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning device inside a home or enclosed area because carbon monoxide poisoning from these types of units can be fatal.
• Allow hot and cold water to slowly drip from inside faucets.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to expose pipes to heat within the house.
• Wrap exposed exterior pipes and faucets with foam insulation or newspaper.
• Wrap pipes located in attics or garages with heat tape or cover them with pipe insulation.
• Turn off your outdoor irrigation system and only run it manually when needed this winter.
• Remove garden hoses from outside faucets.
• Cover all openings around the foundation.
• If planning to be out of town for an extended time, turn off water to the house and open faucets to reduce pressure.
• Never leave pets outdoors when temperatures drop below freezing. Dogs need outdoor exercise, so avoid keeping them out for lengthy periods during icy weather.
• During cold weather, warm automobile engines are dangerous for cats and small wildlife. Parked vehicles attract small animals seeking warmth. To avoid injury to a hidden animal, bang on your vehicle's hood before starting your engine.
• Bring plants inside. Use a sheet or blanket to cover those that must remain outside.
• If water pipes become frozen, let them thaw naturally by exposing warmer air to the pipes. Never try to thaw pipes using hair dryers or other forms of heat!
• If you do not have a private water cutoff valve, and need help with turning your water off, call 817-275-5931 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or 817-459-5900 after hours and on weekends.

Warm Up at City Facilities

Residents seeking a place to go for relief during freezing temperatures can visit City of Arlington public libraries and recreation centers, which are open to the public during their posted business hours.

Arlington Public Library Locations

• George W. Hawkes Downtown Library, 100 S. Center St.
  9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. 
• East Library and Recreation Center, 1817 New York Ave. (Library side only)
  10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 to 6 p.m. Sundays.
• Ron Wright Lake Arlington Branch Library, 4000 W. Green Oaks Blvd.
  10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
• Northeast Branch Library, 1905 Brown Blvd.
  10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
• Southeast Branch Library, 900 SE Green Oaks Blvd.
  10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday
• Southwest Branch Library, 3311 SW Green Oaks Blvd.
  10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
• Woodland West Branch, 2837 W. Park Row Drive
  10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Arlington Recreation Center Locations

• Cliff Nelson Recreation Center, 4600 W. Bardin Road
  6 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays
• Dottie Lynn Recreation Center, 3200 Norwood Lane
  8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday or 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays
• East Library and Recreation Center, 1817 New York Ave. (Recreational side is open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays)
• Elzie Odom Athletic Center, 1601 NE Green Oaks Blvd.
  6 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays
• The Beacon Recreation Center, 1100 Mansfield Webb Road
  6 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays.

Action Center Hotline

Residents can also contact the Action Center at 817-459-6777 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for assistance. The Action Center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays to assist with Code Compliance, Animal Services or Municipal Court concerns or questions.