Richardson Announces Weekend Closures and Service Impacts Due to Severe Winter Weather

The City of Richardson will close all City facilities at 6 p.m. today and has announced the closure of all City facilities through Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 24-25, in response to severe winter weather forecast to impact North Texas. City departments are actively monitoring current and forecasted conditions and coordinating response efforts to maintain essential services while prioritizing public and employee safety.

"Our teams across the organization are fully prepared to respond as conditions develop, and we are coordinating closely to ensure essential services remain available while prioritizing safety," said City Manager Don Magner. "We encourage residents to take necessary precautions for themselves and their loved ones, stay informed through City communication channels, and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary."

City crews have been placed on standby to address potential impacts, including road sanding operations, response to water main breaks, and support for residents experiencing weather-related issues. Departments are coordinating staffing and operational adjustments as conditions evolve, with decisions guided by real-time conditions and forecasted impacts.

These closures apply only to standard operating hours for facilities normally open on weekends and do not include emergency warming centers, which are being opened to provide temporary shelter for individuals experiencing power outages or other storm-related needs.

FACILITY SERVICE IMPACT INFORMATION
All City facilities will close to the public at 6 p.m. today, Friday, Jan. 23. The following City facilities will remain closed on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 24-25:

• Animal Shelter
• Eisemann Center
• Gymnastics Center
• Heights Recreation Center
• Huffhines Recreation Center
• Huffhines Tennis Center
• Public Library
• Richardson IQ® HQ
• Richardson Senior Center
• Sherrill Park Golf Course

NOTE: Decisions regarding service and operational impacts for Monday, Jan. 26, will be made on Sunday, Jan. 25, as forecasted conditions become clearer.

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 Wednesday, January 28.

RESIDENTIAL TRASH / RECYCLING / BRUSH AND BULKY ITEM COLLECTION (BABIC)
Residents should anticipate impacts to Monday's residential solid waste collection, including trash, recycling, and BABIC. A decision regarding those anticipated impacts will be announced on Sunday, Jan. 25.

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 or create a risk of injury to personnel.

It is important to note, commercial solid waste collection operations are generally less susceptible to severe winter weather impacts because receptacles are located in open areas and serviced using automated systems that allow materials to be collected without drivers exiting their vehicles.

For the most up-to-date information, visit https://www.cor.net/ServiceDelays.

COMMERCIAL SOLID WASTE COLLECTION
Commercial solid waste collection is canceled this weekend. Collection will resume as soon as road conditions safely allow.

WARMING CENTERS OPEN TODAY
Three 24-hour warming centers will open at 5 p.m. today (Friday, Jan. 23) to provide temporary shelter for individuals who may lose power or need protection from extreme cold. Warming centers are located in the lobbies of the following facilities:

• 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.)

STREET MAINTENANCE
Street Maintenance crews will work around the clock in response to winter weather. When conditions warrant, crews will spread sand on high-priority areas such as bridges, major roads, and intersections.

Sand improves vehicle traction; however, residents are urged to drive cautiously and avoid travel when possible. Street sweepers will begin collecting sand as soon as conditions allow following the storm.

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.)

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE REGISTRY
The State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) is a free registry that provides emergency planners and responders with information about community members who may need additional assistance during emergencies.

Who should register:

• People with disabilities
• People who are medically fragile
• People with access and functional needs

How to register:

• Register online through the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry
• Dial 2-1-1 or call 877-541-7905 (Texas Information Referral Network)

Registration does not guarantee assistance but allows information to be shared with emergency responders during a disaster.

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.

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