With the temperature forecasted to drop for the next several days, the Houston Fire Department urges citizens to be careful and follow some simple safety tips when using space heaters, fireplaces and other supplemental heating sources.

Citizens should always keep in mind that: Space Heaters Need Space. The Houston Fire Department recommends the following safety tips when using supplemental heating sources:

• Make sure you have a working smoke alarm and a working carbon monoxide alarm if you use gas or a fireplace (including a wood-burning fireplace) for your heating.
• Never leave children unattended in a room with a space heater.
• Children may also stick paper or toys in the grates of the space heaters especially gas space heaters.
• Keep all combustible materials, including yourself at least 3 feet from the heater.
• Open face heaters should have a screen.
• Provide ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning*

Vented Gas / Fired Heating Appliances Tips - Central heating units, floor furnaces, recessed wall heaters, and vented space heaters.

• Inspect annually by a qualified service technician.
• Do not use these type units without a proper vent pipe. Vent pipes must exhaust to the outside!
• If your flame is not blue, it is not burning properly. It is producing Carbon Monoxide, which can't be seen, smelled or tasted. Turn it off.
• Use flexible metal tubing with threaded ends to connect the heater to the gas valve. There should be a cutoff valve for the heater at the wall. Never use a rubber hose to connect a space heater to the gas valve!
• Use soapy water to check all connections and valves for leaks. NEVER use a match to test for a gas leak!
• Look for the American Gas Association label and follow the manufacturer's recommendations for proper usage.

Electric Heaters Tips

• Never overload outlets or breakers
• Don't use extension cords for the heater. If the cord is hot to the touch, turn off the heater and unplug it!
• Electric heaters permanently installed in the wall or ceiling should have lint and dust removed regularly.

Just like a space heater, keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from a fireplace, and create a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires.

• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room
• Never leave a fireplace fire unattended, particularly when children are present.
• Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container and kept at a safe distance from your home.
• Make sure you open your fireplace flue, if applicable.

Carbon Monoxide

• Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that can kill you before you are even aware of it.
• Carbon Monoxide can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, disorientation and fatigue, often mistaken for the flu.
• Have a working carbon monoxide alarm if you use gas appliances and/or a fireplace (gas and wood-burning).
• When your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, ventilate the house with fresh air by opening windows and doors.

On Saturday, December 14th, Council Member Flickinger had the honor of serving as a judge for the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce's 63rd Annual Christmas Boat Lane Parade on Clear Lake. This renowned, world-famous event draws a diverse array of boats—ranging from powerboats and sailboats to man-powered vessels—each uniquely decorated to celebrate the holiday season.

With the safety of all participants in mind, over 14 law enforcement agencies, including the Houston Police Department, collaborate to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience on the water. The boats, brilliantly adorned with festive lights and holiday cheer, compete for a variety of prizes, including awards for Most Patriotic, Most Whimsical, Most Artistic, Best Family Boat, and Best Sponsored Boat, making for an unforgettable holiday tradition.

On Saturday, December 14th, Council Member Flickinger attended the Bay Area Youth Singers and Segundo Barrio Children's Chorus concert at the Villa de Matel Chapel. The performance featured talented singers, ages 8 to 15, who presented a mix of early Latin texts and contemporary Spanish songs, accompanied by a string ensemble, organ, percussion, and piano.

Both choirs, independent non-profit organizations serving the Clear Lake Area and the south and east sides of Houston, delivered a remarkable performance. Their presentation highlighted the exceptional musical talent within our district. This event was made possible by a generous grant from the Houston Arts Alliance.

Council Member Flickinger would like District E residents to know how anyone experiencing an unusually high water bill can have their concern investigated. It is important to understand all water bill issues are handled on a case-by-case basis as no two addresses are the same and water usage changes month to month, which is why it is crucial to report these issues to Houston 3-1-1 by calling (713) 837-0311.

If you believe your water bill is incorrect it is important to contact Houston 3-1-1 (713-837-0311) first. After residents have called Houston 3-1-1 a unique service request number is generated, which triggers an investigation. Once you receive your service request number after calling Houston 3-1-1, please send your service request number along with your most recent water bill to our office at districte@houstontx.gov for the District E office to monitor. Please keep in mind a Houston 3-1-1 report needs to be submitted each time an issue occurs.

The City of Houston has established a “Consumption Awareness Program” for residents to use which alerts homeowners as soon as usage at your address increases. To register for that program, sign up here. You can also estimate your upcoming bills by using this calculator.

It is important for residents to use Houston 3-1-1, as this is the only way for the City of Houston to know a problem exists. Additionally, the District E office compiles information and can identify a trend, based on 3-1-1 reports. Based on historical information most cases investigated show increased usage by customers.

When leaks are investigated and discovered to be on the private side of the meter a one-time leak adjustment can be submitted. If you do find a leak and would like to submit a one-time leak adjustment you may use this form (once a year). Please continue to pay your bill until your form is approved/denied.

If you do experience unexplained usage over 200% of the average usage you may submit an “unusually large bill application” (once a year). It is important in this instance as well, to continue to pay your bill until your form is approved/denied.

Keep in mind, leaks may not always present as gushing water, sometimes it is an area of your yard that appears greener than the rest, or a running toilet in a part of your home you don’t use often. I encourage you to please visit the City of Houston Water website for tips on how to find a leaking toilet, how to test for a leaking toilet, and tips on in-home conservation.

For more information, please contact our office by calling (832) 393-3008 or emailing DistrictE@houstontx.gov.

On Sunday, December 22nd, staff from District E had the pleasure of attending the 3rd Annual Winter Wonderland, hosted by the Clear Brook City Municipal Utility District. The event, which had been rescheduled due to unfavorable weather, turned out to be a fantastic success, bringing the community together for a festive celebration while also collecting food donations to support those in need during the holiday season.

This fun and free event featured a variety of activities, including live music, engaging games, and delicious food offerings. One of the highlights of the day was the chance to take photos with special guests, Santa and Mrs. Claus, spreading even more holiday joy. The Winter Wonderland event was a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories while fostering a sense of unity and generosity within the community.

Meet Verona, our District E Dog of the Month! Verona is a delightful 1-year-old, 50-pound Rottweiler mix who has been waiting for her forever home at BARC for over 30 days. She is in excellent health and heartworm-negative. Verona is a sweet, gentle girl who greets everyone with a wagging tail and a soft smile. She walks beautifully on a leash, with a relaxed stride and a tail that sways with happiness.

Verona has earned the "PURRFURRED" status, meeting special criteria for her exceptional behavior, which has also resulted in a reduced adoption fee. If you're ready to welcome this loving girl into your family, visit here for more information on how to adopt her.

On Wednesday, December 11th, the District E team and their families gathered for a festive outing at the Houston Zoo Lights, a cherished office tradition. Surrounded by dazzling lights and holiday cheer, the team enjoyed an enchanting evening, creating lasting memories and embracing the spirit of the season together.

The Houston Zoo, one of the most visited zoos in the country, offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Home to over 6,000 animals from around the world, the zoo is dedicated to conservation, education, and providing a fun, engaging environment. With a wide range of exhibits, animal encounters, and seasonal events like the magical Zoo Lights, the Houston Zoo remains a beloved destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

TIRZ 10/Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority (LHRA) is making progress on Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Northpark Drive Project. Phase 2, which will expand Northpark Drive from four to six lanes, replace bridges, and add a 90-acre-foot detention basin, is moving forward with land surveys, right-of-way acquisitions, and easement preparations. 

In Phase 1, construction activities include: 

• Storm sewer crews are setting 6×5 RCB and junction boxes on the westbound access road. 
• Waterline crews transferring services to the City of Houston waterline. 
• Dirt crews working on the railroad ROW and LP 494 to prepare for paving transitions. 
• Crews will remove the existing Northpark Drive eastbound lanes from Kings Mill to Russell Palmer.

Kingwood area residents should stay on the lookout for updates regarding Union Pacific Railroad crews coming to do major construction on the crossings at Knox Road and then Northpark Drive. UnionPacific (UP) Railroad will install new crossing signals in the area in late January/early February. Their crew will start at Knox Road north of Northpark and work their way south. The exact date for Northpark is unknown because it’s unclear how long the Knox intersection will take. There will be press releases, social media posts, and traffic message boards sharing those dates and what to expect as soon as details are known.

Every TIRZ Board meeting is open to the public. Visit the LHRA website for more information on the Northpark Drive Overpass Project.