Heath shines in response to Winter Storm Uri

HEATH, TX – March 3, 2021 — Winter Storm Uri will go down in history as an epic weather event that brought the lows of extended power outages, severe property damage and other misery to millions of Texans. And it will go down in history as another time where the Heath community spirit shined as neighbors, friends and businesses reached out to help each other with shelter, food, water, firewood, repair resources and more.

The Public Works team kept the City water system running and prevented a boil notice while also making emergency calls to homes and businesses to shut off water to prevent further damage from burst pipes. At the same time, DPS officers made 174 emergency/EMS fire calls and 90 police calls in just six days.

DPS officers also helped shut off water at homes and businesses, set up and staffed the warming center at City Hall, and made door-to-door wellness checks in neighborhoods that had been without power for an extended period.

“We commend DPS Chief Brandon Seery and Public Works Director Chuck Todd and their incredible team of professionals for their service and truly keeping our city moving during this historic weather event,” said Mayor Elam.

Follow Up Response

On Feb. 23, City Manager Aretha Adams led an Executive Staff Team “winter storm debriefing” meeting to discuss the City’s successes, lessons learned and areas for improvement before, during and after the event. New ideas, resources and changes including tools for quickly reaching residents who are not on social media or online will be discussed for funding and implementation in ongoing planning sessions with staff and council.

How You Can Help

Have an Emergency Plan and Supplies
With Uri as a fresh memory and the Spring severe weather season right around the corner, now is the time to create an emergency plan and organize supplies for your home and business. Ready.gov advises being prepared to be self-sufficient for three days and offers an excellent step-by-step guide for every kind of disaster with checklists and tips. The website also includes guidelines from the CDC on additional items to have in your emergency kit to help prevent the spread of coronavirus or other viruses and the flu. Go to: ready.gov.

Other Storm News

The City of Heath has waived permit fees for any winter storm remediation work occurring between February 16 and July 23. You can apply online through the contract portal or find application forms at heathtx.com/departments/building-inspections. Staff has been working since the winter storm to approve and issue permits in approximately two hours or less so that work can begin as soon as possible. For more information, contact aferrell@heathtx.com.

Submitted press release edited for publication in Blue Ribbon News.

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