Residents asked to monitor City online and digital media channels for latest updates on solid waste (trash/recycling) and facility impacts.

The City of Richardson has activated its winter weather response plan in preparation for winter weather forecast to impact North Texas within the next 48 hours. Preparations include plans to place crews on standby to spread sand at intersections and across bridges, repair broken water mains, assist residents with water shutoffs—as needed, and preparing facilities for the possibility of hazardous walking conditions that can develop near entrances.

Current Outlook
The current forecast indicates extended below freezing temperatures can be expected beginning Tuesday evening and lasting to Friday. There is also a small chance for precipitation that has the possibility to impact area road conditions. While currently unlikely, in the event of hazardous conditions created by winter weather Richardson may announce delays or cancellations to City services such as trash, recycling, Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC), and to the hours of operation for the library, recreation centers, and other facilities.

Warming Centers
Beginning Tuesday at 5 p.m. the City will open three 24-hour warming centers located 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 other long-term amenities. Service animals are allowed, but not pets.)

Trash, Recycling, Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC)
There are no current impacts to solid waste collection. Monitor the City’s service delay website at www.cor.net/ServiceDelays for up-to-date information on solid waste collection.

Stay Informed
Once a winter weather event occurs, you can keep up on impacts to services on the City’s social media channels and news outlets.

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

The City also offers an Emergency Notification System to rapidly notify residents and businesses through calls, texts, and e-mails and provide vital life safety instructions in a timely manner. Online registration is available on the City’s website at www.cor.net/Alerts.

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

Water Protection for Frozen Pipes
Anyone who experiences frozen pipes should shut off the main water supply to the property. For residential properties, the main water shut off valve should be located along an outside wall of the house. It is typically located next to the house’s main water meter.

  • If you cannot turn off the main water supply to your house, call the City of Richardson’s 24-hour Response Line at 972-744-4111.
  • Once the water has been shut off, open all faucets in the house to reduce pressure on the pipes and minimize flooding if the pipes burst.
  • If you can access the frozen pipe you can attempt to thaw it by using a hair dryer or space heater. You should never use an open flame.
  • Examine exposed pipes for leaks, which may appear as the lines begin to thaw.
  • Contact a professional plumber to inspect and make necessary repairs to the frozen pipes.

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

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

Notify the Texas electric delivery service, ONCOR, immediately to report a power outage by phone at 888-313-4747 or visit the ONCOR website. Have your ESID and ZIP code ready (your ESID is on your electric bill). You can pre-register your location by texting “reg” to 66267 (ONCOR).

To prevent secondary outages, reduce initial demand once power has been restored by adjusting thermostats and turning off lights. Leave on your porch light to let working crews know when power has been restored.

ATMOS (Gas)
866-322-8667 – Atmos Storm Center

If you smell gas, leave the area immediately and from a safe distance call 911 and the Atmos Energy emergency number at 866-322-8667.

Call the ATMOS 24/7 emergency line if you suspect a natural gas leak or have a service issue after hours such as a damaged or inaccessible meter and/or an unexpected service interruption at 866-322-8667.

Natural Gas Safety Information:

  • Never use an oven or a gas stovetop to heat your home.
  • Snow and ice buildup can damage gas meters and pipes and make them difficult to reach in an emergency. Carefully remove snow and ice from meters and pipes by gently using a broom or brush.
  • Make sure that external vents for dryers and other natural gas equipment are clear. Blocked vents for dryers and other gas appliances can lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide gas.

Additional Information
Street Maintenance

  • Street Maintenance crews from the Public Services Department will work around-the-clock in response to the winter weather. When ice builds up and causes dangerous driving conditions, crews spread sand on high priority areas—bridges, major roads, intersections and hospital driveways. School zones are sanded upon special request. The sand increases vehicle traction, but drivers are still urged to drive cautiously.
  • Street sweeper crews will begin operations to collect all sand spread throughout a storm event as soon as possible at the conclusion of severe weather impacts. It usually takes several weeks to complete cleanup operations.

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