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.

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Downed Limbs or Trees?

If your property has downed limbs or trees after a storm, you can schedule a Brush and Bulky Item Collection (BABIC) by calling 972-744-4111 or filling out an online form at www.cor.net/babic. Curbside pickup is available on your designated recycling day (as long as the request is made by 11:59 p.m. the night before).

Power 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).
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.

How to Contact ONCOR

Call 1-888-313-4747 to notify the Texas electric delivery service, ONCOR, immediately of outages in your home or place of business. Website

Have your ESID and ZIP code ready (your ESID is on your electric bill)
Pre-register your location by texting ‘reg’ to 66267 (ONCOR)

Winter Weather Safety

Turn off sprinkler systems, not only will this prevent damage to your system from freezing water, it can prevent hazardous travel on roadways.
Check your heating source; make sure it's working properly and well ventilated.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries.
Keep supplies of water and food on hand.
Avoid driving on overpasses and bridges - they often freeze more quickly than roads.
Create a Winter Weather Kit by visiting: www.ready.gov/winter-weather
Winterize your pipes. Keep faucets dripping when the temperature drops below freezing.
Ensure the well-being of your pets by providing plenty of food, water, and shelter. Move outdoor cages and pet enclosures away from windows when possible.
Keep trees and other foliage trimmed and away from power lines. Swaying and broken limbs can rub against or cut power lines causing outages and even fires.

Help Prevent Burst Pipes

Burst pipes and frozen sprinklers can lead to costly repair bills. Since water expands when it freezes, the pipes holding the water are in danger of bursting if they freeze.

Winter-Water-Ice By keeping the sprinkler system controller in the OFF position, you can avoid accidental sprinkler freeze ups on those upcoming cold nights. During periods of no precipitation, you can run your irrigation system manually on your designated water days when temperatures are above 34 degrees. However, during winter months in North Texas there is no need to run irrigation systems because normal precipitation is all dormant grass and plants require.

How to Turn Off the Water to Your Home

When a pipe bursts, it is important to turn the water off to the house as quickly as possible to prevent flooding. To do so, locate the main water shut-off valve. Most homes in Richardson will have one, which should be located either adjacent to the water meter box (usually located in front of the house near the sidewalk) or on the side or front of the house right next to the foundation.

The valve will likely be housed underground in a plastic box with a black or green plastic lid. Inside the box will be a valve, which can be turned to shut off the water to the entire house. Please know that the shut-off valve is not located inside the same housing as your water meter.

Over time, the valve handle can become corroded and difficult to turn without the help of pliers, so it is a good idea to ensure the valve handle is in good working order before you need to shut the water off. If the valve handle needs replacing, contact a plumber.

If you do not have a separate shut-off valve, the only place to shut the water off is at the meter. While it is against city ordinance to turn off the water at the meter, you may do so in case of an emergency. You will need a special water meter valve key, which can be purchased a most big box hardware stores for $15-$30. When you have the key, turn the valve 90 degrees clockwise to shut off the water.

If you experience a water emergency and cannot get the water shut off, contact the City’s 24-hour response center at 972-744-4111.

Simple Precautions to Decrease Plumbing Problems this Winter

Remove outdoor hoses and cover the faucet with an insulated cover, which can be purchased at home and garden stores.
When the temperature is expected to drop below freezing, open sink cabinet doors to allow heat from the home’s heating system to circulate around the pipes.
The pipes most vulnerable to freezing are those located in attics, crawl spaces and outside walls. Leave a small trickle of both hot and cold water coming out of faucets attached to such pipes. Even a small trickle can help prevent pipes from freezing.
If you go out of town while temperatures are expected to drop below freezing, keep the thermostat set to at least 55 degrees.

For more information, visit the American Red Cross website at www.rdcrss.org/1ObECQV.

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