Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutE-News-City Publications-12/4/2013 Holly Colley Holiday cancelled With an arctic cold front on the way and concerns for public safety, the city of Colleyville has made the decision to cancel the Holly Colley event this year. The event had been scheduled for Friday, Dec. 6. According to the National Weather Service, rain is likely today, escalating to a 90% chance of freezing rain overnight from Thursday into Friday and throughout Friday morning. With temperatures expected to remain well below freezing through the weekend, any precipitation on the road will create icy conditions and present a travel hazard for citizens and their children traveling to the event. Temperatures during the Holly Colley scheduled event hours are forecasted to be in the low '20s, creating a further risk of exposure for both citizens and staff. The city's first priority is to protect the public--on the roads and at home, so all available manpower will be positioned for that purpose. City staff has now shifted their priorities away from the event and toward making preparation for a serious weather event. We do not make this decision lightly. Texas weather is famously unpredictable and conditions may change, weather patterns may shift, and the certainty of icy roads and dangerously low temperatures may dissipate; however, we must make the best decision possible with the best information we have at hand. We are unable to reschedule the Holly Colley event this year. This is one of the busiest times of year for event vendors who supply rides, games, and other activities--so they're heavily booked throughout the month, meaning that rescheduling is not possible. Thank you for your understanding in this matter. At the city of Colleyville, keeping Colleyville citizens safe is our top priority so we know you'll understand the reasoning behind this decision. Winter storm preparation Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children. When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing. Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst. If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F. If a pipe bursts, shut the water off at the meter. During a major winter weather event, public works crews, police, and fire personnel must prioritize calls. Between accidents, dangerous road conditions, and medical calls, crews may not be able to respond to a call about a burst water pipe quickly. The link to the video below provides instructions on how to turn off your water, if the need arises. HOW TO SHUT OFF THE WATER TO YOUR HOME To Thaw Frozen Pipes If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation. Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe. Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device. Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber. Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too. Turn off sprinkler systems Remember to turn off sprinkler systems in freezing conditions. During the next few days, run-off from sprinklers that reaches the road will freeze and create a hazard for drivers. Please help us keep you and your family safe, remember to turn off your system during a freeze. Best advice: STAY HOME IF YOU CAN Driving conditions are likely to be hazardous through the weekend. As always, in these conditions, the best advice is to stay home if you can. If you must go out, please be careful. Be safe and stay warm, Collevyille. We'll resume regular city e-news next week, weather permitting.