Take Winter Weather Safety Seriously

National Weather Service forecasts a prolonged and unprecedented winter weather event over the next several days with a significant impact on travel and infrastructure.

The Zula B. Wylie Public Library at 225 Cedar Street has opened as a temporary warming station for residents to get out of the elements and get warm.

Click here to see updates on closures and delays.

Winter weather can be dangerous. Cold temperatures and precipitation can bring power failures, loss of communication services, and icy roads. Protect yourself and your loved ones and follow these tips to stay safe during winter weather events.

 

Remember the Four Ps

1. PEOPLE - Stay inside as much as possible. Besides keeping your family warm, limiting time outdoors can help reduce the risk of car crashes and falls on slippery sidewalks and roads. Check on any elderly family or neighbors that may need extra blankets, winterizing their homes, or a warm place to stay. If you must go outside, dress in layers and stay dry. Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

2. PETS - Dogs and cats get cold too. Bring them inside when temperatures at 32° or less unless they have a well-insulated structure that: is large enough to curl up in and has a wind block at the door; includes a heated water bowl so that they have access to unfrozen water; has the floor elevated from the ground with warm, dry blankets or dry straw, and has heating or an outdoor heating pad. Signs that an animal may be getting too cold include: trembling, sleepiness, slowed breathing, mobility issues, dry skin, numbness, illness.

3. PIPES - Cover exposed pipes and faucets. Run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent your pipes from freezing. Open the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals out of the reach of children. Keep the garage doors closed if there are water lines in the garage. Learn more about protecting your pipes and find out what to do if you suspect you have frozen pipes.

If, despite your best efforts, you have burst or broken pipes and need the water shut off, you can call Utility Services:

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. - (469) 272-2931
After Hours - (972) 780-6643

4. PLANTS - Either cover plants to keep them warm at night or bring them inside so they can flourish.

 

Driving in Winter Weather

Driving during a winter weather event can be treacherous. It's easy to lose control of your vehicle on icy pavement, and there is an increased risk of falling branches and power lines. Our crews are working to treat major intersections and non-TxDOT bridges and will continue sanding operations through this event.

We love our rolling hills and natural areas in Cedar Hill, but that terrain can make it especially hard to navigate in icy conditions. Stay home, if possible. If you must be on the road in these conditions, use extreme caution - take it slow, expect delays, and give other vehicles plenty of space. 

 

Power Outages

To report a weather-related outage power outage, contact Oncor by calling 888-313-4747, texting O-U-T to 66267, downloading the MyOncor app, or visiting stormcenter.oncor.com.

If you live in the Hilco Electric Coop service area, you can report an outage online: https://hilco.coop/report-an-outage.