Update from the City of Cedar Hill

Business Owners, Workforce, Residents, and Constituents, please heed City Leadership's advice to keep yourself and your neighbors safe as we move through unprecedented winter weather in North Texas. 

• We have activated our Emergency Operations Center to monitor and assist in cascading effects of the weather and power outages, such as plumbing issues, water main breaks, delayed trash service, and sanding operations for hazardous road conditions.
• We ask you to join ongoing efforts. Reach out and check on your neighbors, and help them if you can. Your neighbor could be in serious trouble during these outages, especially if they are elderly or medically vulnerable.
• We’ve compiled the information below about resources for residents and impacted city services. Please share with your friends and neighbors. Follow the City on Facebook or Twitter, or visit cedarhilltx.com/winter for the latest updates
• We sincerely appreciate all that you do to serve, help, and strengthen this community.

WARMING STATION FOR CEDAR HILL RESIDENTS

• Transportation will not be provided; please drive with caution
• Since we are limited in space, pets will not be allowed in the facility, but the Tri-City Animal Shelter can provide limited accommodations
• No sleeping bags or cots
• Coffee will be provided; residents may bring their own snack.

CLOSURES AND DELAYS --  click here to see updates on closures and delays.

Due to the hazardous road conditions caused by the current winter weather, all City of Cedar Hill offices and facilities will remain closed on Wednesday, February 17, including the Cedar Hill Government Center, the Alan E. Sims Recreation Center, and the Tri-City Animal Shelter. All essential services, including Police, Fire, Streets, and Utilities, will continue operations. City services for most departments are available online at cedarhilltx.com/2650/City-Services-Online.

• If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
• Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
• Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
• Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you can not thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
• Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

• Lower your thermostat to at least 68 degrees. Consider wearing additional layers of clothing and turning down the thermostat even lower.
• Businesses should minimize energy usage as much as possible.
• Lower the water heater temperature to 120 degrees because it can account for as much as 25 percent of the energy consumed in your home.
• Unplug electronic devices and turn off lights that are not in use. By conserving electricity, you are also helping to conserve natural gas which keeps the power on.
• Reduce shower time and avoid baths. Showering accounts for about 40 percent of your home's hot water use.
• Refrain from using large appliances like your washer, dryer, oven, and dishwasher for the next few days. When in use, limit opening the oven door to prevent wasted energy.
• Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. Leaving the damper open is like keeping a window wide open – warm air goes right up the chimney!
• If you have a pool, do not use the pool heater. Instead, run your pool pump during the coldest part of the day to circulate the water and prevent freezing.

• Never use an oven or a gas stove-top to heat your home.
• Protect natural gas meters. Natural gas meters are weather-proof; however, to ensure that the meter keeps working smoothly, remove snow and ice from natural gas meters with a broom or brush. Never kick or chip snow and ice away with a hard object.
• Minimize the risk of frozen pipes. Leave faucets running at a trickle, leave cabinet doors open, and close all doors and windows to keep heat inside.
• If you think you smell gas, act fast! Leave the area immediately and from a safe distance call 911 and the Atmos Energy emergency number at 1-866-322-8667.
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