ENTERPRISE, Ala. – (WDNews) City officials are urging residents to take immediate precautions as bitterly cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills move into the area.
The City of Enterprise Water Department warned that extreme cold can pose serious risks to both residents and household plumbing, especially overnight and into the coming day.
“Citizen safety is always our first concern,” Mayor William E. Cooper said. “We ask everyone not only to take care of themselves and their families, but also to check on neighbors and friends, especially the elderly and those who may need extra help. We are proud of how the people of Enterprise consistently look out for one another, and that spirit of care truly makes a difference during times like this.”
City officials pointed to problems experienced during a January 2025 winter weather event, when the Water Department received nearly 100 requests to shut off water service due to burst pipes. Officials also reported a significant number of unusually high utility bills caused by unprotected or uninsulated plumbing.
To reduce the risk of frozen or broken pipes, residents are encouraged to cover exposed outdoor plumbing, faucets and backflow preventers with insulation or protective materials, and to check crawl spaces, garages and exterior walls for exposed pipes.
Officials also cautioned that during dangerous ice or snowstorm conditions, Water Department personnel may be unable to respond to shut-off requests due to hazardous road conditions. In those cases, staff will guide customers by phone on how to safely shut off water at the meter if needed.
A warming shelter will also be available due to below-freezing temperatures. The Christian Mission will open its emergency warming shelter for those in need, providing cots, blankets and a hot meal. Individuals needing shelter should arrive or call by 8:30 p.m. Updates will be shared on the Christian Mission’s Facebook page.
During daytime hours when temperatures are 32 degrees or below, the Christian Mission dining room will be open, offering coffee, warm meals and indoor seating. Overnight lodging will be provided each night temperatures remain dangerously cold. The Christian Mission is located at 231 Geneva Highway in ENTERPRISE. More information is available by calling (334) 406-1495.
Mayor Cooper encouraged residents to remain alert as conditions continue.
“Please continue to stay weather aware and make safety a priority,” Mayor Cooper said. “Keep an eye on trusted local media outlets for updated forecast information, and follow the City of Enterprise on social media for weather-related updates and important announcements.”
City officials also reminded residents of the “4 Ps” of cold weather safety: people, pets, pipes and plants.
The City of Enterprise Fire Department emphasized that extreme cold can be just as dangerous for animals as it is for people.
“Anyone who knows me knows my dog, Murphy, and like so many families in Enterprise, pets are part of our family,” Fire Chief Christopher Davis said. “With this level of cold, the safest option is to bring animals indoors whenever possible. We strongly encourage residents not to leave pets outside during these conditions.”
For animals that must remain outdoors, Davis urged residents to ensure pets have proper shelter and protection.
“If animals cannot be brought inside, they should have sturdy shelter, dry bedding, and protection from wind and moisture,” Davis said. “Everyone should be especially cautious when using heat lamps or other supplemental heating sources. Surrounding materials can easily overheat and catch fire, turning a well-intentioned effort to protect animals into a dangerous situation.”
City officials continue to monitor conditions and urge residents to take precautions as the extreme cold persists.
