The City of Norman administrative offices and recreation facilities will remain closed on Tuesday, February 16 and Wednesday, February 17 due to the ongoing weather event. The City Council Special Session planned for Tuesday evening will also be cancelled.

 

Roads
City Public Works crews will continue around-the-clock clearing operations until roads are clear and dry. The primary snow routes are being cleared first, followed by secondary routes as resources permit. City of Norman and Cleveland County crews will be working together to address roads in rural east Norman as part of an interlocal agreement.

Drivers should:

• Stay about 200 feet behind road clearing equipment; crews need room to maneuver and can engage plowing or spreading materials without notice.
• Allow extra space between vehicles to provide adequate distance for braking.
• Be patient and allow extra time in reaching destinations.

Residents are encouraged to avoid any unnecessary travel. If travel is necessary, extra caution should be used on bridges, overpasses and intersections.

 

Trash
Trash service is anticipated to operate on the adjusted schedule following the postponement of Monday service. The schedule for the remainder of the week is:

• Monday service will be collected on Tuesday;
• Tuesday service will be collected on Wednesday;
• Wednesday service will be collected Thursday;
• Thursday trash service will be collected on Friday; and
• Friday trash service will be collected on Saturday.

Residents should expect delays as drivers take precautions due to hazardous road conditions. We ask that you leave your polycarts out until our crews are able to come collect it.

 

Transit
City bus services will operate on an adjusted schedule Tuesday. For service Tuesday, EMBARK Norman will operate hourly Saturday service schedules on routes 110, 111, and 112 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. EMBARK will announce by 3 p.m. each day if the service plan will extend to the next day and if further modifications are needed.

EMBARK Plus ADA Transportation will only operate Zone 1 service with delays of 30 to 60 minutes possible. Customers are encouraged to call their destination to verify hours before making the trip and to cancel or reschedule their trip by calling 405-325-5438.

Customers should expect delays. Riders are encouraged to dress warmly, listen to local newscasts for up-to-date information, and use the online tools to learn if their bus is delayed. Due to the potential for dangerous wind chill temperatures, customers should only travel if necessary.

Visit EmbarkNormanok.com to track your bus.

 

Water
City Line Maintenance crews are working to address frozen water lines across the City. Residents are advised to take steps to prevent frozen pipes:

• Make sure no pipes are exposed to outside temperatures. Pipes that freeze most often are exposed to severe cold, such as outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines. These areas can be protected by pipe insulation designed for this specific purpose. This can be found at most hardware stores. 
• Leave interior cupboard doors under sinks open. This is especially important if the water pipes are adjacent to an exterior wall. This will allow heat from the room to reach the pipes.
• Let a thin stream of cold water run from a faucet. The stream should be a continuous flow about the thickness of a pencil. An unheated interior area such as a basement, attic, or crawl space can freeze without activity. The flow of water will help prevent these areas from freezing. If the pipes in these areas are exposed, it is a good idea to insulate the pipes. 
• Determine where the water shut-off valve is in the house and how to use it if the pipes burst due to freezing. This may help prevent flooding once the water thaws.
• If residents are experiencing flooding and cannot get the water supply turned off, call the City of Norman Line Maintenance Division to turn the water off at the meter. 

To contact Line Maintenance between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, call 329-0703. After hours and weekends, call Police Dispatch at 321-1600. 

 

Energy Conservation
The Southwest Power Pool (SPP) power grid operator for the region covering 14 states, including Oklahoma, has joined the call to ask electricity utility customers and businesses to reduce their natural gas usage by conserving electricity use.

Much of the mid-continent is experiencing an exceptionally high demand for electricity because of extreme, frigid temperatures.

Some electricity conservation options are:

• Turn down thermostats to 68 degrees
• Avoid using major household electric appliances such as ovens, dishwashers and washer/dryers, etc.
• Turn off non-essential electric appliances, lights and equipment
• Businesses should minimize the use of electric lighting and electricity-consuming equipment as much as possible
• Large consumers of electricity should consider shutting down or reducing non-essential production processes

Following these guidelines to reduce the use of electricity will help avoid possible electric power shortages later. Given the prolonged, below-freezing temperatures, conservation measures should be implemented safely and within reason.

For updates on your electricity service and the potential for rolling blackouts, visit OG&E or OEC’s websites.

 

Homeless Resources
The Cleveland County Continuum of Care continues to provide 24-hour access to shelter throughout the weather event.

Overnight shelter options are available at:

• The City of Norman’s Warming Shelter, located at 325 East Comanche Street, will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. nightly, and
• Salvation Army, located at 318 E. Hayes Street., will be open from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Transportation will be provided between the City of Norman Warming Shelter and Food and Shelter facilities. Food and Shelter, located at 201 Reed Avenue, will be open 24 hours daily throughout the event. In addition to the regularly provided breakfast and lunch, a dinner of hot drinks and ready to eat meals will be available.

Those in need of warm clothes, shelter, or any other assistance during this freezing event should call 211 for the assistance hotline.

Learn more about resources available here.