02/02/2022
NEWS RELEASE
For Release: Feb. 2, 2022
CONTACT: Greg Sowell, Communications Director, City of Richardson, 972-744-4218 (office), 972-897-2762 (cell), [email protected]
WINTER WEATHER PREPARATIONS BRING CANCELATION OF THURSDAY SOLID WASTE COLLECTION, ALTERED FACILITY HOURS AND CLOSURES
Sanding trucks are on standby to treat roads prior to winter weather arriving.
24-hour warming center will also be available.
(Richardson, TX) – The City of Richardson has activated its winter weather response plan in preparation for severe winter weather forecast to impact the North Texas area within the next 24 to 48 hours. As part of the response, trash, recycling, and Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC) is canceled for Thursday, Feb. 3. Additionally, hours of operation will be impacted for several municipal facilities – including some closures on Thursday. The City will also offer a warming center in the lobby of the Richardson Police Department.
Trash, Recycling, Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC) Services
- All Thursday solid waste collection (trash, recycling and BABIC) has been canceled due to expected icy road conditions. Collections are delayed or suspended when conditions are such that vehicles cannot safely travel down alleys and personnel would be at risk of slipping and getting injured during the collection process.
For up-to-date information on solid waste collection, visit www.cor.net/servicedelays.
Below is a listing of current scheduled facility and service impacts:
CLOSURE INFORMATION
The following City facilities will remain closed on Thursday, Feb. 3:
� Gymnastics Center (Closed Thursday, Feb. 3 and Friday, Feb. 4.)
� Huffhines Tennis Center
� Richardson Senior Center
� Sherrill Park Golf Course
MODIFIED FACILITY HOURS INFORMATION *
The following City facilities will close at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2 and be open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 3.
� Animal Shelter (open for emergencies only)
� City Hall
� Municipal Court
� Heights Recreation Center
� Huffhines Recreation Center
� Richardson Public Library
* Facility hours are subject to change based on conditions.
OTHER IMPACTS
� Municipal Court - All Feb. 3 and Feb. 4 due dates have been extended to 5 p.m. Feb. 7, and all dockets/hearings are being rescheduled to Feb. 10 at the same docket time.
You may call the Court to confirm the status of your case, 972-744-4500. The use of the Court’s online options isstrongly recommended. These can be accessed at www.cor.net/court.
� The Chinese New Year Festival scheduled for this weekend is being postponed until Saturday, Feb. 12 due to this week’s expected severe winter weather. The event will still be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Richardson Core District at DFW Chinatown located at 400 N. Greenville Ave.
� Warming Center
The lobby of the Richardson Police Department, 200 N. Greenville Ave., has been designated as a warming center for those who lose power at their residences. The facility will be open 24 hours a day until it is no longer needed.
� Galatyn Park Station Shuttle
Service on the Galatyn Park Station Shuttle is suspended Thursday, Feb. 3.
� Street Maintenance
Street Maintenance crews from the Public Services Department are working 12-hour shifts in anticipation of the winter weather. When ice builds up and causes dangerous driving conditions, crews spread sand on several 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.
Decisions on service and operational impacts for Friday, Feb. 4, will be made tomorrow, Thursday, Feb. 3.
� Minimizing damage if you have frozen pipes:
o Shut off the main water supply to the house. 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o 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.
o Examine exposed pipes for leaks, which may appear as the lines begin to thaw.
o 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.
Stay Informed Once a winter weather event occurs, you can keep up on closures to City streets, facilities and parks and other information related to winter weather on the City’s social media channels and news outlets.
