Municipal Operations & Consulting, Inc. has put it’s emergency response plan in place as of today. Staff will be manning facilities around the clock until this extreme weather event is over.

Also, customer service staff will be manning the phones directly so that we can get calls out to the field guys more quickly. No answering service will be used during this winter event.

We will strive to keep residents posted if there are any issues within the District.

Due to the pending winter storm, Republic Services will be closed on Wednesday, 1/22/25. Trash services will resume on the next scheduled service day, Friday. Recycling recovery will resume next Tuesday. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

With freezing temperatures right around the corner, it’s a good time to refresh ourselves on precautionary measures for drops in temperature and cold weather.

The Four P’s to Prepare your Home this Winter:

• People
• Pets
• Pipes
• Plants

People

• Avoid going outside if it is not necessary. If you do, make sure you layer up from head to toe.
• To keep you and your family safe, it is imperative your home is warm.
• Make sure your heat is set to an appropriate temperature to make your entire home comfortable. Remember, heat rises so if you sleep upstairs, your room may be warmer than rooms downstairs.
• If you use a fireplace, make sure you have a screen to catch any embers that might escape or a rolling log.
• Never use your stove or oven to heat your home.
• If you smell smoke or see flames, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Pets

• While protecting your family, it is imperative to protect your pets as well.
• Pets, like humans, are vulnerable to cold temperatures. If not taken care of properly, they can succumb to frostbite and even hypothermia.
• If you have a dog that typically lives outdoors, consider letting them inside when temperatures drop to freezing. While their fur does help to keep them warm, it provides little help in freezing temperatures.
• If you absolutely cannot bring them inside, make sure they have a warm shelter, plenty of food and fresh water so it does not freeze.
• If your pet looks like it has any symptoms resembling frostbite or hypothermia, call your vet.

Pipes

• Turn off the sprinkler system shut-off valve. Most residential devices have two shut-off valves. These are typically covered in blue on the valve handles and located before and after the sprinkler system backflow device. A diagram is shown below.
• Release the water pressure from the bleeder valves. The bleeder valves are usually located under the top of the backflow device. If the water does not stop flowing you may have not shut the valves off completely.
• Leave the smaller bleeder valve open, this will let any remaining water in the line expand without breaking the device. Insulate your backflow device. Most hardware/home services stores carry backflow insulation supplies.
• Make sure to cover all your exposed pipes with a cover. You can also cover your pipes with towels, duct tape or another adhesive strip as long as they are wrapped tightly.
• You can also open up the cabinets to let warm air circulate throughout your home. Just make sure any harmful chemicals are out of reach for children and pets.

Plants

• When cold weather hits, it’s a good idea to bring in all of your outdoor plants.
• If you can’t bring in the plant, cover it with a blanket to make sure they do not die.

Other Tips

• Don’t forget to make sure your car is okay for the freezing temperatures. Check your anti-freeze and your batteries. Also make sure to check your tire pressure and the tread.
• Speaking of cars, make sure when you are on the road that you are mindful parts of the roads may be frozen, particularly bridges. Do not speed and never slam on the brakes.
• Make sure if you use a generator, it is outdoors. Do not use a generator inside, including in your garage.

There will be heavy equipment on Aquatic Dr. for a limited time, in Walden on Lake Houston, due to a sewer line break.

This week:

• Trash Collection will run on normal schedules on Tuesday and Friday.
• Bulk/Heavy Trash Collection will run on normal schedules on Friday.
• Recycle Collection will NOT run this week. For only this week there will be no recycling. Any recycling cart set out will be collected with the trash. The reason for this is expected higher than normal contamination levels with residents using their recycling carts for their excess trash. Residents may set out their recycling carts on Tuesday, February 23rd, with their excess trash.

After this week all collection routes will return to normal service levels.

Republic Services’ team would like to thank you and the residents in your District for their patience and understanding during this difficult time.

Effective 2/17/21 at noon, Harris County MUD No. 153 is NOT affected by the City of Houston’s Boil Water Notice. The water in MUD No. 153 is safe to drink.

Due to inclement weather, Republic Services will be closed on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. There will be no collection services on Tuesday. We will continue to monitor the weather this week. It is forecasted that there is another system moving in on Wednesday morning containing sleet. We will keep you updated regarding collections as the week progresses. Thank you for your understanding in this matter. Please say safe.

It only takes one storm to change your life and community. Tropical cyclones are among nature’s most powerful and destructive phenomena. If you live in an area prone to tropical cyclones, you need to be prepared. Learn how at Hurricanes.gov/Prepare

Determine Your Risk
Develop an Evacuation Plan
Assemble Disaster Supplies
Get an Insurance Checkup
Strengthen Your Home
Help Your Neighbor
Complete a Written Plan