SPECIAL WINTER WEATHER EDITION WEDNESDAY, 2/16/21
Official news about the City of Cedar Park from the City of Cedar Park.
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Weather conditions and news are rapidly changing
This wintry weather has forced many closures and delays. The best source for timely information is our City website and Twitter and Facebook feeds.
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If your pipes are frozen, or you are experiencing leaks
If you are not able to run water in your home, it is likely due to your home’s pipes being frozen. If this happens, pipes can expand and leak when they thaw. To lessen possible damage, you can turn off the water to your home. This video shows you how and if you still have questions, we have staff available M-F, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. who can answer basic questions. Call 512-401-5550.
Also, a friendly reminder that pipes on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. We encourage you to call a plumber if you’re concerned an issue is more than you can handle. And don’t forget to let your pipes drip continuously, to prevent pipes from freezing!
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City of Cedar Park facilities closed until conditions improve
The following City facilities are closed to the public through Wednesday, February 17, and until conditions improve and our community and staff are able to travel and access them safely:
- Cedar Park City Hall, 450 Cypress Creek Rd.
- The Cedar Park Recreation Center, 1435 Main St.
- Milburn Pool at 1950 Sun Chase Blvd. also closed for lap swimming through Wednesday, February 17
- Cedar Park Public Library, 550 Discovery Blvd.
- Cedar Park Municipal Court, 911 Quest Pkwy.
Our Public Works crews are continuing to treat roads and bridges, as possible. However, there is still a thick layer of snow and ice on our roadways and some are closed. Please avoid travel if possible at least through Wednesday, February 17, and exercise caution while driving. Please watch for Cedar Park Police updates on Twitter and visit drivetexas.org to monitor changing road conditions across the State and region.
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Landfill closed, please do not set out carts until further notice
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The landfill is currently closed and our trash/recycling collectors are unable to operate due to the hazardous street and road conditions. This means there is no trash/recycling collection at least through Wednesday, February 17. We are working with our provider who is monitoring landfill operations, logistics and road conditions. In the meantime, please do not set out your trash or recycling bins on the curb/street until further notice. We'll post updates here, as they become available.
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City of Cedar Park Water
The City of Cedar Park public water distribution system is currently functioning normally, with no service interruptions or operational issues. At this time, the City has no plans to shut off water. We understand how concerning it is to see several neighboring communities experiencing water service interruptions but these do not affect the City of Cedar Park’s water utility. If anything were to change, we would notify our water customers. We are encouraging residents not to use an unnecessary amount of water at this time as that puts additional strain on the system — so use what you need and no more! If you are not able to run water, it is most likely due to frozen pipes. If you are experiencing frozen/broken pipes and need to reach our Public Works staff for answers to basic questions on how to turn off your home's water, please call 512-401-5550, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., M-F.
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Emergency Warming Assistance
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It is going to be another cold night for those without power, but if you find yourself in an emergency situation please reach out to the number above for more information on warming centers.
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Please save 9-1-1 for true emergencies
It’s no secret that our 9-1-1 system has been inundated over the past couple of days. It is critically important that we keep our 9-1-1 lines of communication open for Police, Fire and EMS emergency response. Please reserve calls for 9-1-1 for medical and life-threatening emergencies only. Please refrain from calling 9-1-1 to report things such as power outages and frozen/broken pipes so we can keep our Dispatch lines open for emergencies. If you are experiencing an outage, please click here to see the PEC’s outage map and report outages or call 888-883-3379. If you are experiencing frozen/broken pipes you can call 512-401-5550 M-F, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. for assistance.
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Please stay inside
We want to remind you importance of staying inside your home until our weather and road conditions improve. The additional precipitation forecast with non-freezing then re-freezing will create a new layer of hard and slippery ice. This will make walking outdoors especially unsafe. Also, these subfreezing temps can cause hypothermia and frostbite. It's best to stay inside and not risk injury.
Please do not drive
We ask that you please do not drive unless absolutely necessary. Despite multiple de-icing treatments, most of our roads are not navigable under these unusual (for Cedar Park!) conditions.
Remember: because of the hazardous road conditions, our emergency responders are taking extra safety precautions. This could extend response times and they could experience issues accessing call locations. It’s best for us all to stay inside and stay safe.
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Preventing Carbon Monoxide exposure
The CDC has important information on how to prevent carbon monoxide exposure.
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Do seek prompt medical help if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseated.
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Don’t use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window.
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Don’t run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open.
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Don’t burn anything in a stove or fireplace that isn’t vented.
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Don’t heat your house with a gas oven.
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Don’t use a generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine less than 20 feet from any window, door, or vent. Use an extension cord that is more than 20 feet long to keep the generator at a safe distance.
To get more tips and information on carbon monoxide, visit the CDC website here.
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Power outages
The statewide power grid is still operating under power emergency conditions. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has directed electric utilities statewide — including Cedar Park's power provider, the Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC) — to interrupt service to service. While the interruptions were originally intended to be temporary and rolling, that has proven not to be the case. In addition there are numerous unintended outages across the area due to the snow and ice. Outages may last for hours and affect your homes, businesses and some intersection lights. Please do not call 9-1-1 to report electricity outages. If you are experiencing an outage, please click here to see the PEC’s outage map and report outages or call 888-883-3379.
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Tips to conserve energy if you have power from Atmos Energy
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Lower your thermostat to at least 68 degrees.
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Businesses should minimize energy usage as much as possible.
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Lower the water heater temperature to 120 degrees.
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Never use an oven or a gas stovetop to heat your home.
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Unplug electronic devices and turn off lights that are not in use.
- Reduce shower time and avoid baths.
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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.
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Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning.
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Avoid using your natural gas fireplace, if possible.
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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.
For additional information, click here.
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Local school district schedules are subject to change. Please use the links below to get the latest updates from LISD and RRISD.
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Spot a downed tree?
Does the City have a plan for picking up downed trees and limbs from the ice storm?
Yes. For now, please do not place fallen limbs/trees at the curb/in street. We'll announce more information about a plan to collect those when this weather event is over. Keep up with these updates here.
If it’s on a neighborhood street or sidewalk, please report it to us here. If it’s causing a life-threatening hazard in a major roadway or is creating another serious issue – such as pulling down a power line – please call 9-1-1. Please know that our Police and Firefighters have been responding non-stop weather-related accidents and other emergencies, and our Public Works crews have been working around the clock to clear fallen trees across sidewalks and streets throughout Cedar Park.
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We ❤️ our amazing Dispatchers who have been working around the clock during this storm.
In just one 24-hour period they answered over 700 calls for service.
Thank you!!
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