Storm Cleanup and Debris Removal

Precinct 3 Residents,

Precinct 3 Road and Bridge crews and contracted trucks will be starting debris pick-up on Monday, May 20th. Our area stretches from The Villages up to Cypress, through Tomball, Spring, Humble, Atascocita, then down the San Jacinto River through Huffman, Crosby, Highlands, and Baytown to Channelview. We were especially hard hit in Cypress and The Villages areas.

We expect debris operations to last for weeks to months, so please be patient as we move through the affected areas. Each debris zone where debris has been reported will have assets assigned. Presence will be heavier in the most impacted areas.

The most impactful things you can do to help are as follows:

  • REPORT DEBRIS to our hotline by calling 713-274-3880, this greatly helps with planning and staging of assets. You can also call Precinct 3 dispatch at 713-274-3100, if the debris hotline is busy.
  • Follow the debris staging/sorting guidelines in the attached handout (vegetative, construction, appliances, electronics, hazardous).
  • If at all possible, do not park cars on the street near or across from debris piles. Our trucks and equipment are very large and if an area is not able to be accessed we will have to return later once obstructions have been removed.

Please know that we understand how traumatic and disruptive an event like this can be. Many of our crews who will be working in your areas are also Precinct 3 residents with property damage and power outages… this makes us especially proud to be serving you. Thank you for your partnership in the recovery efforts.

Sincerely,
Tom Ramsey Commissioner Precinct 3

Preparing for Freezing Temperatures

In the event of freezing temperatures, it’s important to some steps to protect your home.

Protect Your Pipes

Why Pipe Freezing is a Problem – Water expands as it freezes and pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like attics, garages or kitchen cabinets. Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.

How To Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing
  • Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer’s or installer’s directions.
  • Remove, drain, and carefully store all hoses that are used outdoors.
  • Both hot and cold-water pipes in unheated areas should be insulated. A hot water supply line can freeze just as easily as a cold-water supply.
  • Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a “pipe sleeve” or installing UL-listed “heat tape”, “heat cable” or similar materials on exposed or susceptible to freezing water pipes.
  • When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold and hot water drip from the faucet served by pipes that are susceptible to freezing. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing because the temperature of the water running through them is above freezing.

If you suspect that the plumbing may be frozen at the point where the pipe goes under the house or in the attic, it is safest to call a plumber as it may be cracked and burst when thawed.

In the event of an emergency, please contact our operator, Municipal District Services, at 281-290-6500. Water running in the street or buckled pavement are signs of a water main break and should be reported immediately.

Prepare for the Freeze

Protect Your Pipes

Freezing conditions are expected this Thursday evening with low temperatures near below freezing. Be sure to protect your pipes!

Why Pipe Freezing is a Problem – Water expands as it freezes and pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like attics, garages or kitchen cabinets. Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.

How To Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing
  • Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer’s or installer’s directions.
  • Remove, drain, and carefully store all hoses that are used outdoors.
  • Both hot and cold-water pipes in unheated areas should be insulated. A hot water supply line can freeze just as easily as a cold-water supply.
  • Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a “pipe sleeve” or installing UL-listed “heat tape”, “heat cable” or similar materials on exposed or susceptible to freezing water pipes.
  • When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold and hot water drip from the faucet served by pipes that are susceptible to freezing. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing because the temperature of the water running through them is above freezing.

If you suspect that the plumbing may be frozen at the point where the pipe goes under the house or in the attic, it is safest to call a plumber as it may be cracked and burst when thawed.

In the event of an emergency, please contact our operator, Municipal District Services, at 281-290-6500. Water running in the street or buckled pavement are signs of a water main break and should be reported immediately.