 SPECIAL SUNDAY EDITION for FEBRUARY 14, 2021
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PLEASE STAY CONNECTED TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE AND WEBSITE FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ABOUT THE WINTER STORM
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DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER, CITY OF ROWLETT OFFICES AND FACILITIES ARE CLOSED MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15.We realize that things happen during these extreme weather events at all hours of the day or night. So If you have questions, need information, or want to report a non-emergency issue over the weekend or at times when City offices and facilities are closed, staff will be monitoring the following communication channels: - Email us at ActionCenter@Rowlett.com
- Call us at the non-emergency number – 972.412.6200 (during regular business hours, please call 972.412.6100)
- Message us on this Facebook page
And as always, if you have an emergency – call 911. Please stay safe! __________________________________
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We’re in for several days of wintry weather - now is the time to gather supplies and prepare in case you need to stay home for several days or are without power. - Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication.
- Remember the needs of your pets.
- Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights.
- Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning - only use generators and grills outdoors and never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
- Keep phones and devices charged.
- Sign up for Connect Rowlett. Connect Rowlett is an emergency notification service allowing Rowlett residents to opt-in and receive information via phone call, text message, and/or email based on locations and subjects relevant to you. This system is used to notify residents of imminent threats to health and safety as well as informational notifications that affect home and/or work environments, such as severe weather, flooding, gas leaks, police activity and more. Please take a moment and sign up here: https://www.smart911.com/.../registrationLanding.action.
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Due to icy road conditions, FCC has suspended trash and recycle collection services for Monday, February 15 (and possibly further into the week). FCC continuously monitors weather and road conditions, and will resume operations as soon it is safe to do so. We will continue to provide updates as information becomes available. __________________________________
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DART Rail Operations Suspended Due to Severe Weather, Buses on Saturday Schedule Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will suspend all rail operations beginning at 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 14, through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17. DART bus routes will continue to operate on a Saturday schedule.
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Oncor is monitoring the developing conditions closely and staging crews so that restoration work can begin as quickly as possible. Oncor is encouraging customers to prepare as well - download the MyOncor app and follow their social media pages for continuous updates. __________________________________
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The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is asking consumers and businesses to reduce their electricity use as much as possible Sunday, Feb. 14 through Tuesday, Feb. 16.
"We are experiencing record-breaking electric demand due to the extreme cold temperatures that have gripped Texas," said ERCOT President and CEO Bill Magness. "At the same time, we are dealing with higher-than-normal generation outages due to frozen wind turbines and limited natural gas supplies available to generating units. We are asking Texans to take some simple, safe steps to lower their energy use during this time." Here are some tips to reduce electricity use:
Turn down thermostats to 68-degrees. Close shades and blinds to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows. Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances. Avoid using large appliances (i.e., ovens, washing machines, etc.). Businesses should minimize the use of electric lighting and electricity-consuming equipment as much as possible. Large consumers of electricity should consider shutting down or reducing non-essential production processes. Given the prolonged, below-freezing temperatures, conservation measures should be implemented safely and within reason.
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It’s cold. And it’s not going to warm up anytime soon! Due to the threat of continued inclement weather and freezing temperatures, the Rowlett Utility Billing Department is suspending all disconnections for non-payment until Monday 02/22/2021.
Also - please take precautions against pipes freezing: let an indoor faucet drip, keep your heat on, open cabinet/vanity doors to allow warm air in, and cover/insulate outside faucets! __________________________________
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**Vaccine supply is limited and it will take time to vaccinate everyone. Thank you for your patience as the State rolls out more vaccines every week. Currently, only those in Phase 1A and 1B are eligible to receive the vaccination.**
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After receiving an updated weather briefing from the National Weather Service, Dallas County has made the decision to now close the Fair Park vaccine location on Sunday, February 14.
The hub will now be closed Saturday, February 13 through Monday, February 15. Dallas County will be closely monitoring the weather situation and there may be additional closures after Monday.
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Statewide Vaccine HubsResidents are encouraged to register on multiple lists, there are no county residency requirements. Find more statewide provider hubs here. Links are provided below for the online registration for each county. Due to the statewide effort, each county that is distributing the vaccine may approach the process differently and may provide different types of vaccines. There is no city or county residency requirement to register to receive a vaccination at one of the official hub sites, these sites are open to all Texas residents. People who register will be placed on a waitlist and will be provided further guidance at a later date as to when to arrive to receive a vaccination.
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Applications Open February 15, 2021
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has announced the launch of the Texas Rent Relief Program, funded through approximately $1.3 billion received through the latest federal COVID-19 relief bill. TDHCA is using the funds to help Texans pay rent and utility bills, including those that are past due. Applications will be accepted from landlords and tenants starting at 8 a.m. on February 15. What Does it Cover?
The Texas Rent Relief Program can help with the below costs as far back as March 13, 2020: • Past due, current, and up to 3 months of expected rent costs; • Past due, current, or up to 3 months of expected utility and home energy expenses; • After receiving assistance for 3 months of expected costs, households can apply for additional assistance if funds are still available.
To qualify, households must be at or below 80% of the area median income as well as other criteria. TDHCA will prioritize applications for households at or below 50% of area median income and households where one or more members are unemployed and have been for at least 90 days. Landlords are also encouraged to apply on behalf of tenants. How to Apply
Starting February 15th, you can submit your application by calling 1-833-9TX-RENT (1-833-989-7368) or online at https://texasrentrelief.com/. The call center will be open Monday through Saturday, 8am to 6pm. __________________________________
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City Council – Regular Meetings: Feb. 16 @ 5:30pm *check agenda on website* each Friday before the date Special Council Meeting – None at time published ----------------- Other Board and Commission Meetings: (All Zoom Meetings) Feb. 15 – Senior Advisory Board @ 10am Feb. 15 – Rowlett Youth Advisory Council @ 6:30pm Feb. 17 – Rowlett Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission @ 7pm Feb. 23 – Planning & Zoning Commission @ 6:30pm
**CHECK THE WEBSITE CALENDAR FOR MEETING DATES & TIMES Watch on Rowlett’s Cable Channel RTN16 or online
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Email us at ActionCenter@Rowlett.com Call us at the non-emergency number – 972.412.6200 (during regular business hours, please call 972.412.6100) Message us on this Facebook page And as always, if you have an emergency – call 911. Please stay safe!
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