Winter weather update

With the heavy snow, sleet, and extreme temperatures that are expected to begin on Friday, the City of Broken Arrow is closely coordinating its efforts to keep Broken Arrowans safe during the storm.

The following information is an update on city operations during this inclement weather event.

Street Maintenance

On Wednesday, the Streets and Stormwater crews began pre-treating collector and secondary routes with brine. They continued these operations on Thursday over the bridges, near area hospitals, the Broken Arrow Public Safety Complex, Fire Stations, various hills, the Rose District, Hillside Drive, municipal buildings, and arterial streets. The city has already used 11,800 gallons of brine to prepare the roadways for the oncoming storm.

Once the snow begins, the Streets and Stormwater crew will work in two 12-hour shifts around the clock until all roads are clear.

The Streets and Stormwater Department is prepared with:

• Five ¾ ton pickups with plows and brine sprayers
• 13 dump trucks with plows and sanders
• One motor grader
• Two 2000-gallon brine tanks mounted on trucks
• 2,700 tons of salt
• 10,000 gallons of brine
• 79 plow blades

The brine application is expected to help the roadways remain slushy and passable; however, drivers are encouraged to drive only if necessary. City crews will continue removal operations, but drivers and pedestrians should anticipate hazardous roadway conditions. If you must drive during inclement weather, please observe safe driving strategies, such as leaving early, reducing speed, maintaining a safe following distance, and staying alert.

Trash and Recycling Curbside Pickup

On Monday, Jan. 26, trash and recycling services will be suspended out of an abundance of caution for the safety and well-being of our employees. Services will slide to the following day next week. For example, regular Monday service moves to Tuesday, Tuesday service moves to Wednesday, and so on.

Also, in anticipation of frigid temperatures and snow-packed residential streets, during the week of Jan. 26, one route will be run to collect the trash and recycling together. Customers who do not want their recyclables to go to the landfill should not set out their blue recycling cart. Bags of trash placed outside of the carts will not be picked up.

Fire Operations

The Broken Arrow Fire Department will staff four additional units from Friday through Sunday, with the ability to add three more units if conditions worsen or call volume increases. These units will be strategically positioned throughout the city to ensure timely emergency responses.

The Broken Arrow Fire Department advises residents to remain indoors as much as possible. Slips and falls are the most common emergency calls received during winter weather events. Hazardous road conditions contribute to delayed response and increased hospital transport times.

Police Operations

The Broken Arrow Police Department advises that if you are heading out to enjoy the snow or to go sledding, please avoid parking along the roadways. Parked vehicles make travel more dangerous and prevent crews from clearing streets safely.

Fleet Services

The Maintenance Services Department has mechanics available to perform necessary repairs on snowplowing vehicles and equipment, police vehicles, and fire apparatus during this event. Mechanics and the in-house NAPA facility that stocks parts are staffed around the clock to ensure repairs are completed quickly and efficiently, reducing vehicle and equipment downtime.

Water Utility Services

Crews will be available for emergency water line repairs. Property owners are encouraged to let water flow through the line to help prevent freezing. This can generally be accomplished by letting an interior faucet drip slowly.

Additional tips to consider:

• Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to let in the heat.
• Know where your water shut-off valve is located in case you need to turn it off or if a pipe bursts.
• Remove hoses from exterior faucets and apply protective covering. City staff will remain available during this weather event if you need your water turned off at the meter, call 918-259-8400.

Warming Stations

Two warming stations are available in the City of Broken Arrow this weekend.

• Central Park Community Center, 1500 S. Main St., will be open on Saturday, Jan. 24 and Sunday, Jan. 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Harvest Church, 1814 S. Main St., will be open on Saturday, Jan. 24, and Sunday, Jan. 25, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Please note, the Drainage Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for Monday, Jan. 26, at 6 p.m. is cancelled.

The City of Broken Arrow will continue to update residents as to Winter Storm operations as conditions warrant.