FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 5, 2010
City preparing for winter weather and falling temperatures Emergency Management Office and other departments are working proactively
DALLAS, TX – With winter weather and record breaking low temperatures on the way, City departments are taking a proactive stance ahead of possible sleet and snow expected as early as Wednesday. Here’s how City departments are preparing:
Street Services will have crews on stand-by prepared to activate Ice Force One which consists of 30 sanding trucks and crews as needed and will elevate the City’s response to Ice Force Two, doubling the force if weather conditions warrant it.
Code Compliance crews are checking for residents and businesses who are violating City rules regarding sprinkler usage during inclement weather. Section 49-21 of the City of Dallas Code governs water conservation regarding sprinklers. The fine for violating the Code is $250 to $2,000 per incident.
Dallas Water Utilities (DWU) has repair crews on standby around-the-clock to respond to any water main breaks that may occur. During extended periods of freezing temperatures, DWU adds additional staff to handle increased burst pipe calls.
The Dallas Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Division will activate Operation Code Blue starting Wednesday to locate unsheltered homeless persons and take them to the Bridge (Dallas Homeless Assistance Center).
Some important safety tips to remember during winter weather:
Heating devices are a leading cause of home fire deaths. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, such as fireplaces, wood stoves, or portable heaters. Turn off portable heaters when leaving the room or going to bed. Never use your oven for heating.
Carbon monoxide monitors should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for. Call for help from a fresh air location and stay there until emergency personnel arrive. 1
Consider bringing outdoor pets inside during cold weather, especially dogs. Make sure pets have a constant source of water and that outdoor water bowls do not freeze. In cold weather, outside cats look for places to get warm, often under the
hood of your car. Knock on the hood and honk the horn before starting the engine.
Water expands as it freezes which may break pipes. Un-insulated pipes are at risk of freezing when temperatures get below 25 degrees for an extended period of time. Seal any openings where cold air may get to pipes, including vents around the foundation. Leave cabinet doors in kitchens and bathrooms open so warmer air circulates around pipes. If your pipes break, shut off the water and the water heater. If you cannot shut off your water yourself, call during business hours (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.) customers can call 311 or (214) 651-1441.
For more information on keeping your water flowing and protecting your pipes visit http://www.dallascityhall.com/dwu/inserts/2k9freeze_Oct09.pdf.
For the complete list of safety tips visit www.dallascityhall.com.
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