Spring Storm Update
Tuesday, Apr. 5, 2022 - Afternoon
Afternoon Updates
Whitehouse Police Department has identified W. M. Soloman as the individual that passed away during the storms that passed through the city early this morning.
"Our prayers are with the friends and family of Mr. Soloman, who we lost early this morning when the storm pushed a tree down across his home", said Mayor James Wansley. "Last night's storm also brought down power lines, obstructed traffic and caused property damage in the heart of the City of Whitehouse. I was proud to see the City staff, Police and Fire jump into action at the first signs of the menacing storm. I was humbled by the support we received from Smith County ESD 2, Smith County Emergency Management Team, Smith County Road & Bridge, Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran, Whitehouse ISD, TXDOT, Smith County Sheriff’s Department, Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Red Cross, Crisis Response Ministries, National Weather Service and Oncor."
- This morning, emergency personnel and city crews conducted rapid damage assessments through our hardest hit neighborhoods.
- We encourage our citizens to use local, reputable companies for any repairs or tree removal. See the section below to know what to look for regarding scams.
- Brush and limbs: We have been in close contact with Republic Services who will be doing extra brush and limb pickup Wednesday and Thursday. Any limbs must be three foot or less in length. Residents of Whitehouse can utilize the Greenwood Farms Landfill for free once a month by showing a copy of their most recent City of Whitehouse water bill. (See below for details).
- Oncor is working diligently to get power restored as quickly and safely as possible. As power is restored please check on your neighbors. If you see that properties around you have power restored and you do not, please contact your service provider to make sure they are aware that your service has not been restored.
- Currently the national weather service is on scene determining the nature of this weather event.
- At this time the City has not filed a formal disaster declaration. Although the damage is significant to those affected, it does not meet the criteria for disaster assistance. Please contact your insurance provider and work with them to repair and restore property.
Oncor
Crews are working to restore electric service as soon as possible. Remember to always keep safety first and be mindful of children and pets. If you see a down line, leave the area immediately and call 903-566-6600.
Signs of Home Repair Scams
All individuals going door-to-door within the City are required to have a Peddler's Permit with them.
How can you tell if a contractor might not be reputable? You may not want to do business with someone who:
- knocks on your door for business or offers you discounts for finding other customers
- just happens to have materials left over from a previous job
- pressures you for an immediate decision
- only accepts cash, asks you to pay everything up-front, or suggests you borrow money from a lender the contractor knows
- asks you to get the required building permits
- tells you your job will be a "demonstration” or offers a lifetime warranty or long-term guarantee
- doesn’t list a business number in the local telephone directory
Additional information about hiring a contractor can be found on the Federal Trade Commission website.
Trash Service
Residents of Whitehouse can utilize the Greenwood Farms Landfill for free once a month by showing a copy of their most recent City of Whitehouse water bill. The landfill is located at 12920 Old Kilgore Hwy, Tyler, TX 75708. For questions regarding using the landfill, contact 903-566-5024.
Whitehouse residents may also pick up a voucher for the Smith Countywide Cleanup at City Hall beginning Wednesday, April 6 and vouchers may be used through May 4.
If you have any questions related to solid waste removal, contact 903-586-1449.
City of Whitehouse
Email: lblack@whitehousetx.org
Website: whitehousetx.org
Location: 101 Bascom Road, Whitehouse, TX, USA
Phone: (903)510-7500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Whitehousetx/