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Dear Friends,
The severe winter weather has brought more than snow, sleet, and freezing rain to North Texas. Millions of Texans are without power in these below freezing conditions and our state isnow under a Federal Emergency Declaration.Power outagesand rolling blackouts are expected to continue for an extended period of time especially as more inclement weather is predicted in the coming days.
Just like you, I am concerned about how this happened, what is being done to get the power back on ASAP, and how this can be prevented in the future.
ERCOT, ONCOR, COSERV, and other service providers are working around the clock to restore power, but there is no guaranteed resolution time frame. I am asking you to join me in takingextra precautions to be prepared for the coming days.
To help keep you and your family safe during this time, I have put together a resource guide below. If you need helpaccessing additional information, please contact my office at202-225-7772.
Stay safe and stay warm,
Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D.
Stay Warm:
- Dress in layers of warm clothing
- Close blinds and curtains to prevent heat lost through windows
- Stuff cracks under doors with towels or rags
- Close off rooms to avoid wasting heat
In addition to these tips here are a few more to keep you and your family safe during this winter weather emergency:
- When possible stay home and off the roads
- Do notuse a charcoal grill, stove, or oven to heat your home
- Keep indoor space heaters at three least feet from other items
- Place generators outdoors and away from windows, keep them dry and properly grounded, and never plug them into a wall outlet or main electrical panel
- Fill tubs with water and allow a slow drip from faucets to prevent pipes from freezing
Save Energy:
Ifyou are fortunate to have power, please take these important steps to save energy andreduce the burden on the power grid:
- Lower yourthermostats to 68 degrees
- Close blinds to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows
- Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances (i.e washing machines, ovens, etc.)
- Avoid using large appliances likeopening your refrigerator
Protect the most vulnerable:
Seniors,individuals with health concerns, andfamilies with infants experiencing extended power outages should arrange to stay with family, friends, or a neighbor who have power. There are shelters and warming centers opening up and there is a list of locations at the bottom of this email.
If you are experiencing a health emergency, call 911 immediately. Do not hesitate to contact your medical provider if you or a loved one depends on electric or battery powered medical devices such as respirators, ventilators, oxygen machines, or home dialysis equipment. .
Helpful Contacts:
- Texas Health and Human Services: 211 or 877-541-7905
- Denton County Emergency Management: 940-349-4672
- Tarrant County Emergency Management:webmaster@tarrantcounty.com
- Public Utility Commission of Texas Hotline: 1-888-782-8477
- Atmos Gas Emergency: 866-322-8667
- Texas Roadside Assistance: 800-525-5555
- Texas Road Conditions Information: 800-452-9292
- ERCOT Customer Service: (866) 870-8124
- ONCOR Customer Service: (888) 313-4747
- COSERV: (940) 321-7800
- Text STATUS to 768482 to receive updates on outages. Text OUT to 768482 to report an outage.
- Text REG to 66267 to receive updates on outages. Text OUT to 66267 to report an outage.
Warming Centers:
Below is a list of announced warming centers. Please know this information is constantly changing and new warming centers and shelters may become available.
City of North Richland Hills
817-427-6001
**Residents without power should call the Warming Station Hotline at 817-427-6001.
Town of Flower Mound
972-539-0525
**Warming centers will be set up on an as-needed basis for Flower Mound residents. Residents may request access to a warming center if they have been without power for two or more hours, and do not have an alternate heat or power source (such as a fireplace or generator) or have medical equipment that requires electricity. If access is needed to a warming center, call the
**Warming Station Hotline at 972.539.0525.
Lewisville Public Library
972-219-3570
1197 West Main Street,
Lewisville TX
Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Music City Mall
Open 24/7 noon Tuesday – Thursday morning
2401 S. Stemmons Fwy
Lewisville, Tx
**Pets allowed on leash or crate
**BYO blankets, snacks, water and other necessities (like charging cables for electronics).
**The only opened entrance will be # 5 on the lower level between Macy’s and Zion Market. City crews are treating the driveways, parking lot, and sidewalks near that entrance. Stores inside the mall are not open at this time.
The Salvation Army of Lewisville
Lakeland Baptist Church
397 S. Stemmons Fwy
Lewisville, Texas
MLK Jr. Rec. Center 24 Hour
1300 Wilson Street
Denton, Texas
*Wifi
*Pets allowed
*Snacks
*24 hours
*Cots provided
North Lakes Rec Center / February 13th – February 17th
940-349-8287
2001 W. Windsor Dr.
Denton, Texas
Monday – Wednesday 8am – 7pm
Saturday – Sunday 8am – 5 pm
Civic Center / February 14th Open 24 hours until further notice
940-349-7275
321 E. McKinney St
Denton, Texas
**Denton City Fire Stations 2,4,5,6,7 will allow individuals to restroom access, sinks water and handwashing. 8am – 9 pm.
The Junction's Our Daily Bread8 am to 4 pm.
300 West Oak Street
Denton, Texas 76201
The Salvation Army of Denton is open for shelter at night.
Denton PD, the Street Outreach team and DCTA will be helping connect people unsheltered by giving rides to shelter.
The Islamic Center of Frisco
11137 Frisco St.
Frisco, Tx
972-539-0525
Please bring your own bedding.
(Please also note no shoes will be allowed on the carpet when you enter).
Keller Public Library / Open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday 2/16
640 Johnson Rd.
Keller, Tx
Roanoke Recreation Center
501 Roanoke Road
Roanoke, Texas
Roanoke Old City Hall
108 S. Oak St.
Roanoke, Texas
** accommodate residents with medical needs
** accepts pets that must be leashed or in a crate.
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