From the Office of Mayor T. Lynn Tompkins, Jr.
Tuesday, February 16^th 6:15 p.m. 

Cross Roads Community,
I would like to take a moment to update the community on the winter weather emergency we are facing.   I participated in another regional call this afternoon with well over 100 participants including state, county, and local elected officials.  We are all working hard to meet the needs of our citizens during this challenging time.
We have another storm incoming as we speak with the weather forecast indicating it will be the most challenging evening yet.  Cross Roads will primarily see snow, but the forecast does include a chance of some sleet.  Two to four inches of snow is likely with possibly as much as six inches through Wednesday morning.  Thursday there will be some sunny conditions, but the temperature will remain in the 20’s.  Substantial melting will not occur until Saturday.  Please be prepared for continued power outages.  CoServ will continue rolling outages with a goal of outages not exceeding one hour if at all possible.  Oncor is also targeting controlled, rolling blackouts instead of prolonged outages.  Residents are encouraged to wear multiple layers, keep pets indoors and protect water pipes.  If you are using space heaters, please exercise extreme caution and follow the manufacturer’s directions.
It is important that everyone try to reduce their energy consumption.  The region will be experiencing record electric usage.  Energy consumption can be reduced by turning down the thermostat, not using large appliances, unplugging unused appliances and closing blinds to minimize heat loss.  To assist with the reduction of consumption, I am also calling on all non-essential business to close.  Those businesses deemed essential should make every effort to reduce energy consumption including turning off major signage.  Leaving security lights on is appropriate.
Here are some commonly asked questions:
Why do I have no power and other people do?
The utility companies have to shed electric load by feeder, which is decided by priority based on public health and safety, such as hospitals, nursing homes, water treatment plants, lift stations and fire departments.  Some providers are having more success at managing rolling blackouts than others.  We could reach a point where the high priority feeders have to shed this load as well. 
My power has been completely out for more than six hours, what should I do?
If your power has been consistently out for more than six hours and you are a Cross Roads resident, please text 940.218.4241 to make Town staff aware.
Are there warming stations available?
There are several warming stations available throughout Denton County.  One of the closest 24-hour facilities is the MLK Jr. Rec Center, 1300 Wilson St. Denton.  The facility is open 24-hours and strict COVID safety measures are being followed.  Music City Mall in Lewisville also has a pet-friendly 24-hour warming center.
I require electricity for life-sustaining medical equipment, what do I do?
If individuals are facing an emergency situation, including requiring electricity to operate life-sustaining medical equipment, please call 9-1-1.
What will happen with my trash service?
Waste Connections has notified the Town that they will not be operating tomorrow due to the ongoing dangerous weather and road conditions.  It is likely services will not resume until next week and, when they do, garbage will be prioritized over recycling. 
Town Hall will be closed the remainder of this week and will reopen on Monday, February 22^nd.  Town Staff will be able to assist residents remotely.  Please visit www.crossroadstx.gov for contact information.  The next Council meeting will be held Monday, February 22^nd at 7 p.m.  Please continue to check on the Town’s Facebook page for updates.
We have received great support from our state and county officials, which is much appreciated.  I would like to thank all of the first responders, including Northeast Police Department and Aubrey Fire Department for their assistance.   I would also like to recognize all of the hard work of CoServ.  Last of all, a special thanks to Kristi Gilbert, our Interim Town Administrator, who has worked tirelessly assisting me with this emergency and for all she has done to help residents of Cross Roads!  While there will continue to be power outages, these are unprecedented times, and we want to thank them for their continued hard work. 
Stay safe!
Mayor T. Lynn Tompkins, Jr.