Richardson Extends Facility Closures and Suspends Solid Waste Services Due to Severe Weather

The City of Richardson is suspending all solid waste collection services and extending facility closures through Monday, Jan. 26 due to severe winter weather impacts. The closure includes Monday's regularly scheduled City Council meeting and municipal court docket. Conditions in alley ways make it dangerous for collection crews to provide solid waste service collection, and temporary facility closures are remaining in place in consideration of both staff and customers.

"These decisions are made with great care, with the safety of our employees and the community as our top priority," said City Manager Don Magner. "While some services are suspended and facilities remain closed, City teams are continuing emergency response efforts-sanding roads, responding to requests for assistance, and addressing issues as they arise. We appreciate everyone's patience as we respond to the storm's impacts, and are committed to resuming normal operations as soon as conditions allow."

Decisions regarding future impacts to trash, recycling, Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC), and facility operating schedules will be based on the improvement of road and weather conditions as severe winter weather subsides. City staff will continue to evaluate current conditions and forecasts, 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 MONDAY]

Monday's residential solid waste collection, including trash, recycling, BABIC, and commercial solid waste collection are suspended tomorrow, Monday, Jan 26. 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 https://www.cor.net/ServiceDelays.

FACILITY IMPACT INFORMATION
[CLOSED MONDAY]

All City facilities will remain closed on Monday, Jan. 26, due to ongoing hazardous travel conditions, residual ice on roadways and parking areas, and the need for City crews to continue emergency response and recovery efforts. City staff will continue evaluating conditions to determine when facilities can safely reopen.

Closed Monday, Jan. 26:

• Animal Shelter
• City Hall and City Hall Annex (see below)
• 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 Tuesday, Jan. 27, will be made Monday, Jan. 26, as forecasted conditions become clearer.

CITY COUNCIL / PUBLIC MEETINGS
The City Council meeting scheduled for Monday has been canceled. All agenda items will be rescheduled for consideration at a future date.

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 Wednesday, January 28.

MUNICIPAL COURT:
Due to the continued closure of City facilities on Monday, Jan. 26, the Municipal Court docket for that day will be rescheduled to Monday, Feb. 2.

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 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.)

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.If accessible, attempt to thaw frozen pipes using a hair dryer or space heater. Never use an open flame.
4. 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.

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 https://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 https://www.cor.net/winterweather.