Dear Chris,

Beginning Sunday, the Houston area will experience an arctic cold front with freezing temperatures and precipitation, and we want to make sure everyone in our community stays safe.

To support our communities during this time, Precinct 4’s Bayland, Burnett Bayland, and Radack community centers will open as warming centers with revised hours on Monday and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Our centers are pet-friendly, and we welcome crated animals.

All other centers will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, and all programming and activities will be canceled on those days. No park closures are scheduled at this time; however, water service at parks will be shut off beginning Saturday, January 18th through Tuesday, January 21st to protect the parks’ plumbing systems.

When making preparations, remember to protect the four P’s:

• People: Keep warm and stay inside if possible. Check in with elderly family and neighbors to see if they need help.
• Pets: Bring pets indoors, and make sure to place livestock in alternative shelters to keep them warm and safe.
• Protect Pipes: Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air reach your pipes and consider insulating outdoor faucets by wrapping them with plastic bags, old t-shirts or rags, and packing or duct tape. Keep your thermostat at a steady temperature day and night to help avoid frozen pipes.
• Plants: Protect plants from freezing by covering them with plant-cover fabric, or a light blanket with plastic sheeting on top of it.

Consider this additional information ahead of the cold snap:

• Stay Informed: Avoid travel if possible. You can sign up for Harris County emergency alerts atwww.ReadyHarris.org and follow the Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management on social media (@ReadyHarris) for the latest information.
• Space Heater Safety: If you use space heaters, place them on a flat surface and keep them three feet away from anything flammable such as paper, clothing, or blankets.
• Use Appliances Safely: Never use stoves or ovens to heat your home.
• Carbon Monoxide Safety: Install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector, and always use generators and grills outdoors, never indoors. If using a generator, make sure it’s placed outside, far from windows and doors.

By taking these simple steps, we can all stay safe. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, call our Community Assistance Department at 832-927-4444.

For non-life-threatening emergencies, dial Harris County’s 3-1-1 line, which is available 24/7. Only contact 9-1-1 for emergency assistance (police, fire, or medical emergency services). For water problems, you may also contact 3-1-1, your city public works, or a plumber, depending on the circumstance.

Please share this information with your neighbors, family, and friends, and let’s help each other get prepared.

All my best,

Lesley Briones