Richardson Monitoring Winter Weather Forecast

Warming Centers Scheduled to Open Friday
Residents are encouraged to monitor City communication channels for updates on anticipated impacts to services and facilities.

The City of Richardson has initiated winter weather response preparations in advance of severe winter weather forecast to impact North Texas within the next 48 hours. Preparations include placing crews on standby to spread sand at intersections and bridges, respond to water main breaks, assist residents with water shutoffs as needed, and prepare City facilities for potentially hazardous walking conditions. Warming centers are also scheduled to open on Friday as temperatures fall and freezing precipitation increases the risk of area power outages.

Current Outlook
The current forecast indicates winter weather precipitation may begin as early as Friday afternoon and progressively worsen through Sunday, with many conditions lingering into Tuesday. With hazardous conditions created by winter weather, Richardson anticipates announcing delays and/or cancellations to City services such as trash, recycling, Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC), parks and recreation programming and hours of operation for recreation centers, the library, and other facilities.

Warming Centers (On Standby to Open as Needed)
Three 24-hour warming centers will open at 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23 to provide a place for people who may lose power and/or need temporary sheltering from the storm. The warming centers are in the lobbies at the following locations:

• Richardson Police Department Administration Building
  200 N. Greenville Ave.
• Richardson Fire Department Station 3
  500 W. Lookout Dr.
• Richardson Fire Department Station 6
  3591 Park Vista Rd.

(NOTE: Warming centers are intended to provide temporary shelter and are not equipped with beds or long-term amenities. Service animals are allowed; pets are not permitted. Activation of warming centers will be announced through City communication channels.)

Trash, Recycling, Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC)
Changes to commercial services on Saturday and commercial and residential service on Monday are likely. Monitor the City's service delay website at www.cor.net/ServiceDelays for up-to-date information on solid waste collection.

Stay Informed
Residents are encouraged to monitor City communication channels for updates once a winter weather event occurs:

• Online: www.cor.net/WinterWeather
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/RichardsonToday/
• Nextdoor: nextdoor.com/agency-detail/tx/richardson/city-of-richardson/

Emergency Notification System
The City of Richardson offers an Emergency Notification System that provides rapid notifications to residents and businesses via phone calls, text messages, and e-mails when urgent information or life-safety instructions are needed.

Registration is available at https://www.cor.net/Alerts.

(NOTE: When you receive an alert, press 1 or reply YES to acknowledge the message and stop the contact cycle.)

Water Protection for Frozen Pipes
Residents experiencing frozen pipes should take the following steps:

1. Shut off the main water supply to the property. For most homes, the shutoff valve is located along an exterior wall near the water meter.
2. If you are unable to turn off the water, contact the City's 24-hour Response Line at 972-744-4111.
3. Once water is shut off, open all faucets to reduce pressure and minimize flooding if pipes burst.
4. If accessible, attempt to thaw frozen pipes using a hair dryer or space heater. Never use an open flame.
5. As pipes thaw, inspect for leaks and contact a professional plumber for repairs if needed.

Additional guidance is available at https://www.cor.net/winterweather.

Utilities
ONCOR (Electricity)
888-313-4747 - Report Outage Online
www.oncor.com/outages/

Residents are encouraged to report outages directly to ONCOR. Have your ESID and ZIP code available (ESID is listed on your electric bill). Locations may also be pre-registered by texting "reg" to 66267.

After power is restored, reduce initial demand by adjusting thermostats and turning off unnecessary lights. Leaving a porch light on can help crews identify restored service.

ATMOS (Gas)
866-322-8667 - Atmos Storm Center
If you smell gas, leave the area immediately and call 911 from a safe location, then contact Atmos Energy.

Residents should never use an oven or gas stovetop to heat a home. Keep snow and ice cleared from gas meters and vents using a broom or brush, and ensure dryer and appliance vents remain unobstructed to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

Street Maintenance
Street Maintenance crews from the Public Services Department will work around the clock in response to winter weather. When ice creates hazardous driving conditions, crews will spread sand on high-priority areas such as bridges, major roads, intersections, and hospital driveways. School zones are sanded upon special request.

Sand improves vehicle traction; however, drivers are urged to continue exercising caution, and to stay home if travel is not necessary. Following severe weather, street sweepers will begin collecting sand as soon as conditions allow. Cleanup operations may take several weeks to complete.

FACILITY IMPACTS
Delayed openings or temporary closures of some municipal facilities are expected to occur as severe winter weather affects the region. Information regarding service impacts will be shared as conditions develop and as current conditions and forecasts allow for more precise determinations.

The following facility impacts have been announced:

Sherrill Park Golf Course

• Thursday, Jan. 22
  • Pro Shop hours will vary, weather permitting
  • Course 1 closing at 12 p.m.
  • Course 2 closing at 5 p.m.
• Friday, Jan. 23 - Monday, Jan. 26
  • Closed

For more information and updates on the City of Richardson's winter weather response, visit https://www.cor.net/winterweather.