Electronic Waste Recycling Event – October 23rd, 2021
UPDATE: ALL HIKE AND BIKE TRAILS CLOSED, CONSTRUCTION IN PROGRESS
Hike and Bike Trails Closed During Spring Gully Maintenance Project
Dear District Resident,
The Bilma Public Utility District (“District”) Board of Directors would like to provide an update of construction on the District’s hike and bike trails.
In June 2021, the Harris County Flood Control District (“HCFCD”) began a Major Maintenance project of the Spring Gully Tributary which runs parallel with the District’s hike and bike trails. There will be a heavy presence of construction crews and equipment until the project is complete.
For the safety of everyone, the entire length of the District hike and bike trails are closed to public access until construction is complete. Residents are asked to abide by posted notices in the area advising of the trail closure.
Project construction is expected to be complete along Spring Gully by early August, depending on weather conditions. Once HCFCD completes the repairs along Spring Gully, the District will then begin the process of replacing the removed portions of the hike and bike trails.
Please feel free to contact the District’s Board of Directors or attend a monthly meeting if you have any questions regarding this important project.
Hurricane Preparedness 2021
Be ready for hurricane season. Today you can determine your personal hurricane risk, find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone, and review/update insurance policies. You can also make a list of items to replenish hurricane emergency supplies and start thinking about how you will prepare your home for the coming hurricane season. If you live in hurricane-prone areas, you are encouraged to complete these simple preparations before hurricane season begins on June 1. Keep in mind, you may need to adjust any preparedness actions based on the latest health and safety guidelines from the CDC and your local officials.
Find out today what types of wind and water hazards could happen where you live, and then start preparing how to handle them. Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Their impacts can be felt hundreds of miles inland, and significant impacts can occur without it being a major hurricane.
The first thing you need to do is find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone. If you do, now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there. You do not need to travel hundreds of miles, but have multiple options. Your destination could be a friend or relative who doesn’t live in an evacuation zone. If you live in a well-built home outside the evacuation zone, your safest place may be to remain home. Be sure to account for your pets in your plan. As hurricane season approaches, listen to local officials on questions related to how you may need to adjust any evacuation plans based on the latest health and safety guidelines from the CDC and your local officials.
You’re going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy and unpleasant aftermath. Have enough non-perishable food, water and medicine to last each person in your family a minimum of three days. Electricity and water could be out for at least that long. You’ll need extra cash, a battery-powered radio and flashlights. You may need a portable crank or solar-powered USB charger for your cell phones.
If you need to go to a public shelter, the CDC recommends bringing items that can help protect you and others from COVID-19, such as hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, bar or liquid soap, disinfectant wipes (if available) and two masks for each person. (Children under two years old and people having trouble breathing should not wear face coverings.)
Call your insurance company or agent and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough homeowners insurance to repair or even replace your home. Don’t forget coverage for your car or boat. Remember, standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding. Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, you’ll need a separate policy for it, and it’s available through your company, agent or the National Flood Insurance Program at floodsmart.gov. Act now as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.
- FLASH Insurance Guide: If Disaster Strikes, Will You Be Covered?
- Find available coverage at floodsmart.gov
If you plan to ride out the storm in your home, make sure it is in good repair and up to local hurricane building code specifications. Many retrofits are not as costly or time consuming as you may think. Have the proper plywood, steel or aluminum panels to board up the windows and doors. Remember, the garage door is the most vulnerable part of the home, so it must be able to withstand the winds.
- FLASH: How-To Videos
- Protect Your Home From Flooding Video (English/Spanish)
Many Americans rely on their neighbors after a disaster, but there are also many ways you can help your neighbors before a hurricane approaches. Learn about all the different actions you and your neighbors can take to prepare and recover from the hazards associated with hurricanes. Start the conversation now with these Neighbor Helping Neighbor strategies but remember you may need to adjust your preparedness plans based on the latest health and safety guidelines from the CDC and your local officials.
The time to prepare for a hurricane is before the season begins, when you have the time and are not under pressure. If you wait until a hurricane is on your doorstep, the odds are that you will be under duress and will make the wrong decisions. Take the time now to write down your hurricane plan. Know who issues evacuation orders for your area, determine locations on where you will ride out the storm, and start to get your supplies now. Being prepared before a hurricane threatens makes you resilient to the hurricane impacts of wind and water. It will mean the difference between being a hurricane victim or a hurricane survivor.
Annual System-Wide Flush of Water System
Bilma PUD will began flushing of the district’s water distribution system beginning on Monday April 19th and is expected to be completed by Friday April 23rd. Annual flushing of the district’s water system is a requirement of the TCEQ and maintains the water quality you are used to. If you experience any discolored water in your home, please flush your houseline for approximately 10 minutes and the problem should clear up. If you continue to have any issues, please contact our office at 281-353-9809 and we can send a service technician to assist you.
Application for Appointment to the Board of Directors
Bilma Public Utility District currently has a vacancy on the Board of Directors (the “Board”) for a term that expires in May 2022. If you are interested in being considered for appointment to the Board, please complete this application and return it to kcain@rbaplaw.com by Monday, May 3rd at 5:00 p.m.
Water Update 2/18/2021
The District would like to reassure residents that the District is not affected by the City of Houston’s boil water notice issued on February 17, 2021 (or any boil water notice issued by neighboring municipalities or MUDs). The District’s water supply and facilities were not at any time affected by the City of Houston’s boil water notice. During this week’s unprecedented weather events, District facilities did not lose power. While water pressure in the District was temporarily reduced on February 17, at no time did it fall below TCEQ standards that require a boil water notice.
Residents are encouraged to refer to the District’s website for updates and sign up for text alerts at the following link: https://bilmapud.classicmessaging.com/
Garbage Collection/Potential Hazardous Weather
Status of Garbage Collection/Potential Hazardous Weather for Monday February 15, 2021: RRRT is currently monitoring the weather for potential hazardous conditions impacting garbage collections on Monday, February 15, 2021. RRRT will continue to assess weather conditions through Sunday evening, February 14, 2021, and will make a decision on moving forward with Monday collections or not, based on precipitation and safety. Please continue to visit the District’s website to obtain updates on the status of the February 15, 2021 garbage collection.
Freeze Watch
Bilma PUD residents, it is time to prepare for colder temperatures! There is a Freeze Watch in effect for Sunday night through Tuesday morning, February 14th – February 16, 2021. Temperatures are expected to drop to freezing levels overnight.
How can District residents prepare? Practice the “Four P’s” as the cold fronts set in:
People:
- Dress in warm clothing, wear coats and gloves when outdoors.
- Protect children and the elderly. Never leave them in a cold place or vehicle.
- Temperatures are predicted to be in the teens Monday night and Tuesday morning.
Pets:
- Bring your pets indoors.
- Provide a warm, safe place for them to eat and sleep.
Pipes:
- Prevent frozen pipes and damage to your home by opening the cabinets under the kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow warm air to circulate and warm the pipes.
- Insulate outdoor faucets and exposed pipes and be sure to disconnect and drain hoses from outdoor spigots.
Plants:
- Protect plants from freezing by covering them with plant-cover fabric, or a light blanket with plastic sheeting on top of it.
- Hydrate plants early so they can absorb and stay healthy through the cold.
Additionally, there are a few vehicle-safety tips to observe during winter weather:
- Keep your gas tank full.
- Have tire pressure checked.
- Have a phone charger, first aid kit, blankets, and jumper cables in your car.
- Check local road conditions at www.houstontranstar.org. State highway information available at www.drivetexas.org.
Lastly, Fire Departments have provided some safety tips surrounding space heaters and other supplemental heating sources during the colder days:
- Never leave a space heater unattended or a child unattended with a space heater.
- Keep all combustible materials (including yourself!) at least three (3) feet away from the heater.
- Never overload outlets or breakers.
- Do not use extension cords for the heater.
- Always turn it off if leaving the room and/or going to sleep.