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New Mexicans urged to take precautions during dangerously cold conditions

New Mexicans urged to take precautions during dangerously cold conditions

SANTA FE – The state Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) is urging New Mexicans to avoid dangerous conditions caused by extremely cold temperatures across the state.

The National Weather Service in Albuquerque is forecasting frigid cold temperatures as low as -30 degrees overnight. These extreme cold conditions increase the risk of hypothermia and frostbite, putting vulnerable populations at higher risk.

Caution should be used to avoid house fires caused by heating mechanisms by keeping anything that can burn at least three feet from all heat sources, including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, portable heaters, and candles. Never use your oven or stove to heat your home.

Remember to drip or wrap exposed water pipes to prevent them from freezing.

If you need to travel, make sure to pack a winter emergency kit and check the road conditions at nmroads.com before heading out.

DHSEM recommends limiting time outdoors and encourages anyone going outside to dress in layers and cover exposed skin. Individuals seeking shelter from the cold may do so at one of the following warming shelters:

  • Albuquerque: Call Albuquerque Community Safety at (505) 418-6178 to request transportation to a public or private shelter or (505) 768-4357 for information on day shelters and other resources.
  • Carlsbad: Community of Hope is open between 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. at 1314 S Canal St, Carlsbad, N.M.
  • Clovis: Nurstead Mental Health’s Drop-In Center will have overnight shelter at 300 Commerce Way, Clovis, N.M.
  • Farmington: Winter Shelter is available at 1620 Ojo Ct., Farmington, N.M.
  • Las Cruces: Has several daytime warming center options.
    • Frank O’Brien Papen Center at 304 Bell Avenue, Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Meerscheidt Recreation Center at 1600 E. Hadley Avenue, Mon.-Fri., 8: a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sat, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Thomas Branigan Memorial Library at 200 E. Picacho Avenue Mon.-Thu., 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sun. 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Munson Senior Center at 975 S. Mesquite Street Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Sage Café at 6121 Reynolds Drive Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Benavidez Center at 1045 McClure Road Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Roswell: The Warming Center will be open at 2801 West 4th Street through Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 10 a.m.
  • Santa Fe: Salvation Army at 525 West Alameda will be open 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. through Wednesday, Jan 22.
  • Taos: The NEST will be open all week for emergency shelter. They are located at 601 Lovato Pl, Taos.

Hours and locations may vary. Contact your local emergency manager or officials for most updated information.

Find more information about winter safety on our website.