Wednesday, Feb. 24 Update
GARBAGE / RECYCLING UPDATE
Due to heavy volumes, Republic Services has been working Wednesday to catch up on collections from the first part of the week. Please report missed collections to https://www.nrhtx.com/Requesttracker/Home or 817-427-6200. They will resume the regular collection schedule on Thursday.
Tuesday, Feb. 23, Update
GARBAGE / RECYCLING UPDATE
Due to heavy volumes, Republic Services will is unable to finish collections in NRH on Tuesday. The remaining customers will be serviced on Wednesday. If your trash was missed Tuesday and is not collected by noon on Wednesday, please report it at https://www.nrhtx.com/Requesttracker/Home or 817-427-6200.
LEAK ADJUSTMENTS FOR BURST PIPES
The City of North Richland Hills will allow for leak adjustments on water accounts that had significant water loss from burst pipes as a result of the winter storm. Proof of repair such as a plumber’s bill indicating the date and location of the leak must be submitted to the Water Department for consideration of a leak adjustment within 90 days of the repair being made. If you have any questions please, contact the Water Department at 817-427-6200 or email customerservice@nrhtx.com.
DISASTER ASSISTANCE
Disaster Assistance for Tarrant County. If you were affected by the winter storm, you can apply for assistance. If uninsured, apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov. If you have insurance, you will need to file a claim with them first and then apply to FEMA.
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM CONTRACTOR FRAUD
FEMA also offers tips to protect yourself from contractor fraud: https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20210222/dont-get-scammed-protect-yourself-contractor-fraud
Monday, Feb. 22, Update
GARBAGE / RECYCLING UPDATE
Due to heavy volumes, Republic Services was unable to finish Monday collections in NRH. The remaining Monday customers will be serviced first thing Tuesday morning. If your trash was missed Monday and is not collected by 10 am Tuesday, please report it at https://www.nrhtx.com/Requesttracker/Home or 817-427-6200. If Republic is unable to complete all Tuesday routes, they will return Wednesday morning to finish those.
RESUME NORMAL WATER USE
NRH water customers may resume normal water use. The supply of water coming to NRH has returned to normal levels, and the amounts of water in our water storage tanks are also back to normal. Thank you for doing your part to conserve over the past several days. Your collective efforts made a difference and we were able to continue supplying water to our community. Thank you.
Sunday, Feb. 21 Update
WATER MAIN BREAKS AND SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS
Public Works has repaired multiple water main breaks this weekend. If you see water running in your neighborhood report it to 817-427-6440. On Sunday morning, water was temporarily turned off to the La Fontaine neighborhood and nearby businesses on Davis Boulevard to repair a water main. Estimates are that service will be restored by 6 p.m. *5 p.m. UPDATE: Repairs are taking longer that anticipated. Water will not be restored by 6 p.m. We are sorry for the inconvenience. *8:30 p.m. UPDATE: It's now estimated that water service to La Fontaine neighborhood will be restored after midnight. Crews will not stop working until it is done.
WATER CONSERVATION
Residents and businesses should continue to conserve water through the weekend. We have had a lot of questions as to why car washes are operating. At this time we are not requiring that any businesses close. Most drive through car washes recycle their water as a cost saving measure, so they are not using as much as it may seem. Our water supply remains safe. We are no longer on a boil water advisory.
CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR RESIDENTS
- Use water for essential purposes
- Drinking and cooking
- Showering (limit duration)
- Flushing toilets
- Do not leave faucets dripping
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth
- Minimize use of appliances that use a lot of water, such as dishwashers and washing machines
- Eliminate outdoor water use and make sure sprinkler systems are turned off
- Check for leaks
CONSERVATION MEASURES FOR BUSINESSES
- Turn off outdoor fountains
- Curtail any activities that involve the use of large amounts of water
- Use recycled water where possible
- Make sure all sprinkler systems are turned off
- Check for leaks
BUSTED WATER PIPES AND WATER NEEDS
We know many of you have experienced busted water pipes at your homes and businesses. If you need to turn water off at your meter, or back on, you can find instructions at https://www.nrhtx.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=942. If you need assistance, call 817-427-6440. If you have run out of drinking water, you can call 817-427-6001 for help. If that line is not answered, call 817-281-1000.
TRASH AND RECYCLING
Residential trash and recycling collections resume on your normal collection days this week. Please be patient as the Republic staff works to get everyone serviced. Brush and bulky items won’t be collected until your second collection day.
DISASTER ASSISTANCE
Tarrant County has been approved for assistance as part of a federal Major Disaster Declaration. This assistance may help to cover some of the costs that your insurance does not cover. Individuals and business owners who sustained losses can begin applying for assistance by registering online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585. Applicants are required to inform FEMA of all insurance coverage such as flood, homeowners, renter's, etc. that may be available to them. Insured applicants must provide FEMA documentation, such as an insurance settlement or denial letter to process their application.
DAMAGE REPORTING
Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management are encouraging Texans to complete the Self Reporting Damage Survey to help the state and FEMA gain a better understanding of damages that occurred during the recent winter weather. The voluntary survey can be accessed at www.TDEM.texas.gov/warm.
CITY FACILITIES
The NRH Centre fitness facilities are open on Sunday, however the pool remains closed for maintenance and is expected to reopen on Monday. All City of NRH Facilities will resume normal operating hours on Monday.
COVID19 TESTING & VACCINES The COVID19 testing site in the parking lot of NRH2O resumed operations on Sunday. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. If you need a test, register at www.curative.com. Tarrant County COVID19 vaccination clinics resumed operations on Saturday by appointment only. Register and get more information at http://www.tarrantcounty.com/covidvaccine
Saturday, Feb. 20 Update
Gateway Church (7501 Davis Blvd) and NRH have partnered to distribute bottled water to those who are still without. Saturday from 1:00 - 3:00 pm, residents can swing by and grab one case of water per family. Enter on Davis Blvd. side and go to the back of the building for drive thru pick up. You can then exit onto Starnes.
Friday, Feb. 19 Updates
WATER EMERGENCY
The boil water advisory for North Richland Hills has been lifted, however water conservation efforts should remain in place through the weekend. Read more here.
WATER LEAKS
Report flowing water or water cut-off needs to 817-427-6440.
To check for leaks at your home:
• LOOK. Check your water meter’s leak detector. Turn off all your faucets and fixtures in your home. Make sure nothing is running water. Go to your water meter located in the box, likely near the street curb. The leak detector will spin—even slowly—when water is running or leaking in the house.
• LOOK for wall or ceiling discoloration and water stains. This could be a leak soaking through your drywall.
• LOOK for bubbling paint or bulging wallpaper. This means that moisture may be present and paint or wallpaper is no longer adhering to the wall.
• FEEL. Investigate appliances and fixtures. Check under-sink cabinets and appliances for puddles of water or darker tile grout. Feel around for moisture.
• LISTEN. Many leaks are totally silent, but some may produce a dripping sound. Turn off all ambient noise and listen closely for any dripping or other odd sounds. Many times you can identify that there is a water leak by putting your ear up against an exposed pipe somewhere else in the house. The sound of a leak will often travel through the walls of the piping material.
WATER NEEDS
Many residents may have water needs due to the impacts of the storm and the water notices currently in place; therefore, a bottled water distribution site has been set up. We have partnered with Fire Station Five - 7202 Dick Fisher Dr., NRH 76180. Please come to the back of the station. The site will be operational on Friday 2/19, until 4:00 pm. (while supplies last). If you're unable to make it, NRH residents in need of drinking water can call 817-427-6001 for assistance.
GARBAGE/RECYCLING
Residential garbage and recycling services will resume on Monday. Commercial collections resume today for medical facilities, multi-family units, grocery stores, and restaurants that have been open.
POWER
If you are still without power, please ensure that you report it directly to Oncor as it is likely from storm damage. Though we know the number of those affected has decreased significantly across town, we ask NRH residents who are without power, please make plans to stay with family, friends, or someone else you know who has power. To report an outage to Oncor:
888-313-4747
stormcenter.oncor.com
Text “out” to 66267
Download the MyOncor App
CITY FACILITIES
North Richland Hills’ non-emergency city facilities remain closed to the public until Monday. City services remain available to citizens via phone and online, https://www.nrhtx.com/directory.aspx
Thursday, Feb. 18 Updates
WATER EMERGENCY
Mandatory Conservation & Boil Advisory
Until further notice, ALL NRH water customers should use water for emergency purposes only and are advised to boil water before consumption. Emergency purposes includes drinking, cooking, flushing, and other safety reasons. Stop dripping water at the faucets, if you currently have heat in your home. Delay using showers, baths, washing machines and dishwashers until this water crisis has ended. If you see broken water lines in your neighborhood, please report immediately to 817-427-6440.
Current demand is outpacing supply. The water emergency is due to a limited supply of water coming to us from the City of Fort Worth and Trinity River Authority. Power issues, coupled with a large number of water main breaks has severely limited their ability to continue providing NRH and other area cities that they serve. Because of this we cannot guarantee continued water pressure, impacting the quality of water in our system. If customers fail to conserve it is possible the city could run out within 48 hours.
Garbage Collection: On Friday and Saturday, Republic Waste will be collecting commercial customers in NRH, focusing on medical facilities, multi-family units, grocery stores and restaurants that have been open. Residential garbage and recycling collections will resume on Monday on your normally scheduled days. Brush and bulky items will be collected on your second collection day.
City Facilities: North Richland Hills’ non-emergency city facilities will remain closed Friday, including City Hall, Municipal Court, NRH Centre, NRH Library, Animal Adoption & Rescue Center. City services remain available to citizens via phone and online. All full-time employees report for duty at your regularly assigned workplace unless instructed otherwise by your supervisor.
Power: ERCOT and Oncor announced early Thursday they’ve stopped the “rolling blackouts” across the state, though some customers continue to have no power due to damaged equipment. IF YOU ARE STILL WITHOUT POWER, report it to ONCOR again as it may be an equipment / mechanical failure specific to your area. As of 10 a.m., around 35,000 customers in Tarrant County and around 3,000 in NRH were still without power, according to Oncor.
ONCOR:
- 888-313-4747
- stormcenter.oncor.com
- Text “out” to 66267
- MyOncor mobile app
Also, here are our City of NRH numbers again. Please call us if you need us!
- Warming Center Hotline: 817-427-6001
- Water Shut-Off: 817-427-6440
- Police/Fire Non-Emergency: 817-281-1000
- Police/Fire/Medical Emergency: 9-1-1
Wednesday, Feb. 17 Updates
Water:
- NRH is not under a boil water order at this time like many neighboring cities. Our water supply remains safe for consumption. All customers need to continue to conserve water by not using your dishwasher, washing machine, shower, etc. Limit consumption to what you need for drinking, sanitation and a drip at the faucet to help keep pipes from freezing.
- Many residents are seeing water pipes burst from the extreme cold weather. Here are steps to cut off the water at your home, if needed: https://www.nrhtx.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=942 If you are unable to turn off the water and need assistance call 817-427-6440.
- Emergency repairs to homes and businesses may be started without a permit, but permits and inspections may still be required and should be requested as soon as possible. Learn more: https://www.nrhtx.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=944
Warming Stations: Warming Stations remain open for residents who are without power and need to get warm. To find the nearest one, contact our Warming Station Hotline: 817-427-6001 or 817-281-1000.
Carbon Monoxide Safety: In the last 48-hours, the Fire Department has responded to nine calls regarding carbon monoxide CO poisoning or leaks. Have a working CO detector outside your sleeping area. Never use gas range or oven for heating. Never use a grill inside your home. Always run gas-powered generators outdoors. Never leave your car running in the garage.
Power: It is important for those who do have power to continue conserving until the electrical supply stabilizes and power is restored to all. ERCOT shared information this evening about their progress: http://www.ercot.com/news/releases/show/225696 We still have received no answers as to when power will be restored to all homes and businesses.
Trash / Recycling Service: Due to continued freezing conditions, Republic Waste has will not collect garbage and recycling in NRH on Thursday. They will reevaluate tomorrow as to whether they can safely resume collections on Friday. We will share more updates as they become available.
Streets: Our public works crews are working around the clock, sanding and plowing the streets, but we're anticipating the streets to ice over again as the temps continue to drop. We're urging our community members to stay off the roadway, but if you MUST get out, please use extreme caution.
City Facilities: North Richland Hills’ non-emergency city facilities will remain closed on Thursday. All full-time employees report for duty at your regularly assigned workplace unless instructed otherwise by your supervisor.
Tuesday, Feb. 16 Updates
Feb. 16 Afternoon Updates:
NRH residents who are without power, please make plans now to stay the next couple of nights with family, friends or someone else you know who does have power. Due to the continued power crisis across our state, it is likely your power will not return until Thursday at the earliest. With another wave of winter precipitation on its way, roads may be impassable tonight and tomorrow. Don’t be left unprepared! We have warming stations operational for NRH residents who have nowhere else to go. To find the nearest one, contact our Warming Station Hotline: 817-427-6001 or 817-281-1000.
If you do have power, please open your homes to people you know who need a place to stay and conserve as much as possible. It is important for those who do have power to continue conserving until the electrical supply stabilizes and power is restored to everyone.
Please continue to conserve water by not using your dishwasher, washing machine, shower, etc. Limit water consumption to what you need for drinking and sanitation and dripping inside faucets to keep water pipes from freezing. NRH residents do NOT need to boil water.
City Facilities: North Richland Hills’ non-emergency city facilities will remain closed on Wednesday. This includes City Hall, Municipal Court, Library, NRH Centre and Animal Adoption & Rescue Center. Emergency services will remain in operation. Employees will be contacted by their supervisor regarding their work schedule and assisting with emergency operations.
Feb. 16 Morning Updates:
We know many of you want to know when power will come on. We do too. Here’s what we know at this time:
The City does not control the power grid; however, through the media we have been informed that the system is experiencing a record high demand that is far outpacing its output capabilities. In addition due to the extreme weather, several power companies that supply electricity to the power grid have had failures taking them off line. The two issues combined have resulted in unprecedented power outages across the state. The power companies have been unable to provide us with a time as to when our residents can expect power again. We also do not have information as to how many residents have been completely without power for more than 24 hours or for extended periods of time; however, we estimate that there are several thousand in our City.
With many residents still experiencing power outages, we have warming stations operational for our NRH residents. This is a place to get warm, and charge devices for a few hours. To find the nearest one, contact our Warming Station Hotline 817-427-6001. Please remember that we are practicing COVID protocol at the stations. If you’re unable to reach the warming station hotline via the prior number, please contact 817-281-1000 and they will transfer you in.
If you have a police, fire, or medical emergency please call 9-1-1. Public Safety personnel are here and ready to respond as always.
Public Works continues to sand bridges and major intersections to keep main corridors and emergency routes as passable as possible. Another round of winter sleet / snow / ice is expected tonight through Wednesday which means road conditions are likely to deteriorate. So if you need to travel to get some place warm, you should do it today before the next weather system arrives.
Some area cities have put out a boil water notice, due to a water treatment plant being without power. NRH water comes from a different treatment plant that is not affected. NRH customers do NOT need to boil water. We are asking you to continue to conserve water. Limit water consumption to what you need for drinking and sanitation. A slow drip at the faucet to keep water pipes from freezing is ok.
Things should begin to warm up and get above freezing by the end of the week.
Monday, Feb. 15 Updates
Feb. 15 Afternoon Updates
Power Outages: Oncor has share this information regarding continued power outages - https://thewire.oncor.com/pages/article.html#oncor__emergency_operations_feb_15_afternoon_update
City Facilities: North Richland Hills’ non-emergency city facilities will remain closed on Tuesday. This includes City Hall, Municipal Court, Library, NRH Centre and Animal Adoption & Rescue Center. Emergency services will remain in operation. Employees will be contacted by their supervisor regarding their work schedule and assisting with emergency operations.
Warming Stations: With the widespread power outages that are impacting the city and state, we have activated our warming stations across the city. If you are without power, and are in imminent need of shelter due to exigent circumstances, please contact our Warming Station Hotline at 817-427-6001. If you are unable to get through at that number, please call 817-281-1000.
If you are without power and not in exigent circumstances, please continue to practice the below tips to keep your family safe during the outages. If you have an emergency, contact dispatch 817-281-1000 or 9-1-1.
Unfortunately, we are receiving the same messages and recordings that our community members are when calling Oncor for updates about the power outages. We will continue to work diligently to keep our community members safe and informed. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, NextDoor, and Ring Neighbors for the latest updates. You can also sign up for Everbridge emergency notifications: https://www.nrhtx.com/141/Emergency-Alerts
Trash / Recycling Service: Republic Waste has suspended garbage and recycling collections through Wednesday. Depending on conditions later in the week, collections may resume on your next scheduled day - Thursday or Friday. We will share updates here and on social media as they become available.
Feb. 15 AM Updates
WATER CONSERVATION NEEDED: Power outages are impacting the city’s water pumping stations. Until further notice, please conserve water by not using your dishwasher, washing machine, shower, etc. Sprinkler systems should already be off as well. Limit water consumption to what you need for drinking and sanitation. A slow drip at the faucet to keep you water pipes from freezing is ok. We are working to get systems back up and running as soon as possible. We will provide updates as soon as they become available.
Rolling power outages began overnight and are likely to continue over the next few days. They typically last 15 to 45 minutes. If your power is off longer, report it to ONCOR at 1-888-313-4747 or online at stormcenter.oncor.com.
From ONCOR Electric: Due to record-breaking electric demand and reduced power generation as a result of the extreme winter weather, rotating outages are now in effect. Rotating outages are controlled, temporary interruptions of electrical service that rotate through different parts of the electric grid. These outages typically last 15-45 minutes in each area but may vary. Conservation remains critical and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) continues to urge all Texans to limit and reduce their electric use as much as possible. Even small steps, such as turning down the thermostat to 68 degrees, turning off and unplugging non-essential lights and appliances, and avoiding the use of large appliances like washers, dryers and dishwashers, can help make a difference.
Sunday, Feb. 14 Updates
Feb. 14 Updates:
North Richland Hills’ non-emergency city offices and facilities will be closed on Monday. This includes City Hall, Municipal Court, Library, NRH Centre and Animal Adoption & Rescue Center. Emergency services will remain in operation and online services are available at www.nrhtx.com.
Republic Waste will not be collecting garbage or recycling on Monday. The city and Republic Services will continue to monitor conditions and we will share updates regarding any service changes beyond Monday as they become available.
Throughout today NRH Public Works has had 4 crews sanding bridges and intersections on major streets and 1 crew plowing emergency routes for first responders. Please, if you can, stay home and stay safe. Another wave of heavier winter precipitation is expected later today making travel conditions more dangerous. You can check latest North Texas roadway conditions at http://www.drivetexas.org. Report trouble spots on NRH city streets to dispatch at 817-281-1000.
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. http://www.ercot.com/news/releases/show/225151
Wednesday, Feb. 10 Update
The extreme cold is expected to continue over the next several days, with temperatures dipping into the single digits and sleet / ice / snow accumulation possible. Be prepared. Stay safe and stay weather aware. Please follow local weather stations for the latest information. Any delays in city services will be shared here and on the city's social media pages as they become available.
Please stay home and avoid travel during icy conditions. Check conditions before you get on the roadways and give yourself plenty of time. You can monitor TxDOT highway conditions at https://drivetexas.org/.
NRH Public Works has crews on standby for sanding operations on NRH bridges and intersections if needed. We do not monitor requests through the city's website or social media 24/7, so please report any trouble spots in North Richland Hills to dispatch at 817-281-1000.
With below-freezing weather expected through early next week, remember to:
- cover outdoor faucets;
- double-check that your sprinkler system is turned off;
- review tips for protecting your water pipes from freezing;
- bring pets and plants indoors;
- do not leave space heaters or fireplaces unattended; and
- make sure your smoke and CO detectors are in working order.
Review more winter weather tips from Ready.gov.
If you need to report a power outage, text OUT to 66267, call 888-313-4747 or report online at stormcenter.oncor.com.