Harris County Precinct 3 Steps Up Winter Storm Prep with Brine Road Treatments and Community Support
With a dangerous arctic front preparing to bear down on Southeast Texas, Harris County Precinct 3 is moving swiftly to protect roads, parks, and residents across the community, including Vcl Lakeside. From pre-treating roadways with its innovative brine solution to sharing life-saving safety tips and community center updates, Precinct 3 is preparing residents for a weekend of hard freezes, icy roads, and sub-freezing temperatures.
According to the latest reports from the National Weather Service - Houston/Galveston, a Winter Storm Watch is now in effect for most of Southeast Texas, including Harris County, from Saturday through Sunday afternoon. The forecast calls for a high chance of freezing rain and ice accumulation—particularly on bridges and elevated surfaces—along with dangerously low wind chills ranging from 5 to 15°F, and multiple nights of hard freezes lasting through Monday morning.
Brining the Roads to Keep Drivers Safe
Precinct 3’s Road & Bridge teams have already begun deploying their eco-friendly brine program, a proactive effort that sets the county apart when it comes to winter preparedness. The crews are currently out treating roads and bridges throughout the precinct, including major thoroughfares in Vcl Lakeside, to prevent ice from bonding to pavement during the freeze.
The brine solution, which is manufactured and applied in-house using custom-built equipment, is a cost-effective and environmentally responsible alternative to chatrock. It allows for faster application across more than 6,700 lane miles and 300 bridges within Precinct 3’s expansive network.
“When you see those colder temperatures approaching in the forecast, be assured and know that Precinct 3 is out and ready to keep your roads and bridges safe for emergency response vehicles but more importantly, for the traveling public,” said Commissioner Tom Ramsey when the brine program launched.
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Community Services and Facility Updates
To protect residents and facilities from the extreme cold, the following adjustments are in place this weekend:
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Precinct 3 Parks: Restrooms, drinking fountains, and water systems will be limited starting Friday, January 23. All parks will be closed Saturday and reopen Wednesday, January 28, with reduced amenities.
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Community Centers: Most will remain open, but Vera May Community Center will close early Friday. Adjusted weekend hours are in effect for Cactus Jack Cagle, Crosby, and Trini Mendenhall Community Centers. Monday hours will be announced based on water and power assessments.
How to Get Help or Report Storm Issues
Precinct 3 urges residents to stay informed and report hazards as they arise:
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Emergency: Dial 911
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Non-emergency info: Call 311
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Assistance Requests: Call 211
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Report Road Debris or Hazards: Submit a service request online
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Precinct 3 Main Line: 713-274-3000 or email pct3@pct3.com
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Power Outage Info: CenterPoint Energy Tracker
To ensure that first responders can access people who need immediate assistance, please keep in mind what defines an emergency situation, as shared by the Greater Harris County 9-1-1 Emergency Network:
Safety Tips for Staying Warm Without Risk
Precinct 3 has also issued vital safety reminders to prevent house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning during the cold snap. Highlights include:
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Space Heaters: Always place them on solid, flat surfaces and plug directly into wall outlets. Keep them at least 3 feet away from anything flammable and from children.
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Carbon Monoxide: Never run a car in a closed garage, and install CO detectors with battery backups.
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Chimneys: Only use seasoned wood and safe fire starters—never gasoline or kerosene. Ensure chimneys are clean and inspected. Keep your chimney flue open while in use.
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Winterizing Your Home: The 4 P’s
Residents are encouraged to remember the “4 P’s” during the storm:
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People: Check on elderly neighbors and loved ones.
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Pets: Bring them indoors.
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Pipes: Insulate and protect exposed plumbing.
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Plants: Cover or move sensitive plants inside.
Additional steps to winterize homes include sealing windows, insulating attics and pipes, testing smoke/CO alarms, and gathering extra supplies. For a comprehensive, localized winter storm preparation guide, click here to view the guide recently published by My Neighborhood News.
As the storm approaches, local leaders are urging Vcl Lakeside residents to finalize preparations by Friday afternoon and stay off roads during icy periods. With the brine program in full swing and updated resources in place, Harris County Precinct 3 is aiming to minimize disruptions and keep the community safe, warm, and informed through the weekend.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.