Winter Weather Update (January 19, 2:15pm)
Below freezing temperatures are expected this week, but the City of Baytown wants to make sure you’re ready to keep you and your family can stay safe and warm. Together let’s be aware and prepared.
It all begins with the important P’s:
- Pipes- Rather than let your faucets drip, locate your water meter, shut off the main valve, and open faucets to drain any remaining water. This will help avoid frozen pipes while conserving water.
- People- Keep warm and dress in layers. Check on your elderly family or neighbors.
- Pets- Fur doesn’t always mean warm. Bring pets inside to keep them safe and healthy.
- Plants- Bring your potted plants inside. For outdoor plants, water and cover them with a cloth fabric.
- Phones- We use them for everything. Make sure they are charged for important alerts or information.
Report an Emergency
Please remember, 911 is for emergencies only. Help us keep the lines available for those who need urgent assistance. You can call the Baytown Police Department’s non-emergency phone number at 281-422-8371. You can file a report online by visiting the Baytown Police Department webpage at baytown.org.
Power Outages
If you an experience a power outage, CenterPoint Energy is your primary contact. You can view the outage map, report an outage, and receive updates on the CenterPoint website. You can also call 713-207-2222 to report an outage.
Public Works
To report water problems, blocked roads or traffic sign or signal issues, call 281-420-5300. You can also make a report on the Better Baytown app or by visiting the Public Works webpage at baytown.org.
On the Road
If you’re hitting the road, make sure you have your vehicle winterized. Pack an emergency kit with blankets, water, and snacks. Make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas in case you’re on the road longer than expected. Also, check road conditions and the forecast before you leave.
Also, we receive a lot of questions regarding the Hartman Bridge and other roadways. TxDOT are treating the Hartman Bridge and the I-10 bridge. There are no plans to close either bridge. TxDOT will be providing updates. Just visit https://traffic.houstontranstar.org.
The City of Baytown and Harris County are working to keep other roadways safe. These efforts will continue in preparation of inclement weather.
Warming Centers
The City of Baytown is opening a Warming Center at Memorial Baptist Church, located at 600 W. Sterling Avenue, beginning Monday, January 20 at 8am. It will remain open through Tuesday morning. Emergency operation teams will reassess the need beyond that point. The Warming Center is not a full-service shelter and only provides temporary refuge from extreme cold elements.
Harris County Precinct 2 Community Centers will be open Monday through Thursday from 8am-6pm to serve as warming centers. The nearest center is the J.D. Walker Community Center, located at 7613 Wade Road in Baytown.
Look for more information about these warming centers from the City of Baytown.
Trash Services
Trash services for Baytown are provided by Best Trash. Crews are planning to provide services as normal on Monday, but are preparing for a delayed start Tuesday through Thursday. However, if landfills close due to the weather, crews will not be able to run their routes.
Please visit the Best Trash website, for up-to-date information.
Stay Mobile
Your phone is an important resource during weather situations. Make sure your phone or mobile device is fully charged so you can check for the latest information from the City of Baytown and the National Weather Service. Sign up for warnings and alerts by registering at www.baytown.org/alert. Also make sure you have the Better Baytown app. We will also be posting important information on the City’s website as well as our social media channels.
Be safe, aware, and prepared so that everyone can avoid any major issues through this latest winter weather.