Departments Available to Reply to Service Needs by Phone and E-Mail
The City of Richardson is continuing the suspension of all solid waste collection services and extending facility closures through Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to ongoing severe winter weather impacts. The closure includes the Municipal Court docket. While City facilities remain physically closed, staff will be available to respond to e-mails and return phone calls, though response times may be delayed. The City’s main number is 972-744-4100 and general inbox is at AskRichardson@cor.gov.
Residents are asked to continue using the City’s 24-hour Response Line at 972-744-4111 for burst pipes and other urgent, non-public-safety-related needs.
“I’m extremely proud of our team for responding so effectively as conditions continue to evolve,” said City Manager Don Magner. “We’re monitoring conditions in real time and coordinating response efforts across departments to address remaining impacts. Safety remains our top priority, and we will resume services as soon as it is feasible to do so. We appreciate the community’s patience, flexibility, and cooperation as crews work to restore normal operations.”
Hazardous conditions in alleyways continue to make it unsafe for collection crews to provide solid waste services, and temporary facility closures remain in place in consideration of both employee and customer safety.
Decisions regarding trash, recycling, and Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC) will be guided by changing weather and road conditions, as well as the operational status of the City’s solid waste partners. Decisions regarding future impacts to trash, recycling, Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC), and facility operating schedules will continue to be based on improvements in road and weather conditions as winter weather subsides. City staff will evaluate current conditions and forecasts throughout the day, with particular attention to roadway safety and employee access, to determine when services and facilities can safely resume.
TRASH / RECYCLING / BRUSH AND BULKY ITEM COLLECTION (BABIC)
[SUSPENDED TUESDAY]
Tuesday’s residential solid waste collection, including trash, recycling, BABIC, and commercial solid waste collection are suspended tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan 27. Decisions to delay or suspend residential solid waste service are based on current and forecasted road conditions, as well as the availability of facilities that process the City’s solid waste. Collection is delayed or suspended when conditions make it unsafe for collection vehicles to navigate alleys, parking lots, and areas that create a risk of injury to personnel.
For the most up-to-date information, visit www.cor.net/ServiceDelays.
FACILITY IMPACT Information
[AVAILABLE BY E-MAIL/PHONE – PHYSICAL FACILITIES REMAIN CLOSED]
While City facilities remain physically closed, staff will be available to respond to e-mails and return phone calls, though response times may be delayed.
The City’s main number is 972-744-4100 and general inbox is at AskRichardson@cor.gov.
Residents are asked to continue using the City’s 24-hour Response Line at 972-744-4111 for burst pipes and other urgent, non-public-safety-related needs.
City staff will continue evaluating conditions to determine when facilities can safely reopen.
Available to contact by phone/e-mail – buildings will remain closed Tuesday, Jan. 27:
- Animal Shelter
- City Hall and City Hall Annex
- Eisemann Center
- Gymnastics Center
- Heights Recreation Center
- Huffhines Recreation Center
- Huffhines Tennis Center
- Library (see below)
- Municipal Court (see below)
- Senior Center
- Service Center
- Sherrill Park Golf Course (see below)
- The IQ® HQ
NOTE: Decisions regarding service and operational impacts for Wednesday, Jan. 28, will be made Tuesday, Jan. 27, as forecasted conditions become clearer.
LIBRARY PATRONS:
No materials will be due while the Library is closed. The exterior book drop will also be closed and unable to accept library materials during this time. Due dates and hold pick-up dates for all materials have been extended through Friday, January 30.
MUNICIPAL COURT:
The Monday, Jan. 26, Municipal Court docket has been rescheduled to Monday, Feb. 2. Tuesday, Jan 27, Municipal Court docket has been rescheduled to Tuesday, Feb. 3.
SHERRILL PARK GOLF COURSE:
The greens at Sherrill Park Golf Course are expected to remain covered until temperatures consistently reach levels that allow for safe removal. Even when daytime air temperatures rise above freezing, overnight and ground-level temperatures can continue to impact turf conditions, and keeping the greens covered helps protect the surfaces from freeze damage and supports long-term course recovery.
Warming Centers
[OPEN]
Three 24-hour warming centers are available 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 Building200 N. Greenville Ave.
- Richardson Fire Department Station 3500 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.)
Water Protection for Frozen Pipes
Residents experiencing frozen pipes should take the following steps:
- 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.
- If you are unable to turn off the water, contact the City’s 24-hour Response Line at 972-744-4111.
- Once water is shut off, open all faucets to reduce pressure and minimize flooding if pipes burst.
- If accessible, attempt to thaw frozen pipes using a hair dryer or space heater. Never use an open flame.
- As pipes thaw, inspect for leaks and contact a professional plumber for repairs if needed.
Additional guidance is available at www.cor.net/winterweather.
DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit)
[MODIFIED SERVICE]
Due to limited man power and severe weather conditions across North Texas, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is operating under modified service to prioritize the safety of riders, operators, and frontline teams while maintaining service on the most frequently used routes.
TRAINS/LIGHT RAIL SERVICE
DART trains are running 24-hours during freezing temperatures to prevent ice from forming on equipment during downtimes. Passengers will only be picked up during normal operating hours.
To see the latest service updates to DART, visit www.DART.org/trip/trip-planner/service-alerts.
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
Crews are working around the clock in response to winter weather. Sand is spread on high-priority areas such as bridges, major roads, intersections, and other areas.
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.
For more information and updates on the City of Richardson’s winter weather response, visit www.cor.net/winterweather.
