October 20 Storm Update

UPDATE 10/21/2019 AT 7:00 pm:

October 20 Storm Update

FAQ

I’m in an area impacted by the storm on October 20. What resources are available to me if I am unable to remain in my home?

The City of Dallas is working with The Red Cross to provide shelter, meals and comfort for families affected at Bachman Lake Recreation Center, 2750 Bachman Drive.

Red Cross disaster responders can also help facilitate the replacement of items like prescription medication and eyeglasses.

What next steps should I take to protect myself?

Call your insurance agent or company as soon as possible to report property damage. Gather and review important documents like health, auto and home insurance policies. Visit the Texas Department of Insurance to learn more here: https://www.tdi.texas.gov/consumer/storms/recoverytips.html

How is the City keeping our homes safe?

Dallas Police Department is performing extra neighborhood patrols in the areas affected for safety and strongly urges people to avoid the impacted areas or remain indoors from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

If you see something suspicious, please say something using our iWatchDallas app or dial 9-1-1 for in progress calls.

When will my recycling and trash be collected?

Some of Monday trash pick-up was delayed by storm debris. Sanitation Services will return to Monday pick up locations on Wednesday to attempt to complete trash pick-up.

Storm debris pick-up will begin this Wednesday. Contractors will be on hand to assist our efforts to collect storm debris.

Brush should be placed just behind the curb, not in alleyways. Brush should not be placed in the street, on the sidewalk, or in any manner that will interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic or with routine waste collection service.

I have a downed tree blocking my road/alley – who do I call?

Call 3-1-1, use our online portal at dallascityhall.com or use the OurDallas mobile app to place a service request.

I have a downed light pole or traffic signal – who do I call?

Call 3-1-1, use our online portal at dallascityhall.com or use the OurDallas mobile app to place a service request.

If I smell gas, who should I contact?

Immediately leave the area and call 9-1-1 and the Atmos Energy emergency number: 866-322-8667

How quickly will power be restored?

Oncor estimates power will be restored for most people on Thursday. You may review current outage levels by visiting Oncor’s website. https://stormcenter.oncor.com/external/default.html

I would like to help. Where can I volunteer?

Please visit voly.org to register for any current or future volunteer opportunities related to the October 20 tornado/severe weather event.

What supplies are needed?

Rather than supplies, we encourage people to donate to the City of Dallas Emergency Assistance Fund located here: https://dallemerasstfund.kimbia.com/dallemerasstfund.

UPDATE 10/21/2019 at 3:35 p.m.:

In the interest of safety, the Dallas Police Department urges residents in the areas impacted by the October 20 evening storm to remain indoors from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. from today through Thursday. Non-residents are also urged to stay out of these areas during this timeframe. There may still be downed power lines and debris in these neighborhoods that could pose a safety hazard.

Crews from the City, Oncor and Atmos will be entering and exiting the areas to make repairs. Additionally, crews from the Office of Emergency Management and Dallas Fire Rescue will be working to complete their assessment by tomorrow. Please be mindful of crews at work.

There will also be extra police presence in these areas. Residents are encouraged to call 9-1-1 to report crimes in progress or use the iWatchDallas app to report any suspicious activity. The iWatchDallas app is available on the App Store or Google Play for download.

Original Post:

The City of Dallas is currently assessing the damages as a result of a storm with a radar-confirmed tornado that came through the Dallas area at approximately 9.p.m. on Sunday, October 20. At this time, there are no reports of fatalities or serious injuries.

The Dallas Police Department and Dallas Fire-Rescue are assessing damaged structures and will continue to do so throughout the night.

Currently, there are approximately 35 traffic signals with no communication and crews are responding for repairs. Residents should call 3-1-1 to report downed traffic lights.

Residents are encouraged to stay indoors if they are in an area with storm damage due to downed trees, power lines and debris.

There are reports of gas leaks north of Walnut Hill. If residents smell natural gas or suspect a natural gas leak, leave the area immediately and from a safe distance, call 9-1-1 and the Atmos Energy 24/7emergency line at 866-322-8667.

According to Oncor, there are approximately 65,000 customers in Dallas experiencing a service interruption due to this storm. The City is preparing to open Bachman Recreation Center at 2 a.m. for people seeking shelter.

The City has activated its Emergency Operating Center and will continue to monitor the second round of storms that will come through the area early Monday morning. An update will be provided as additional information becomes available.