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Hurricane Information

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1. Am I at risk from a hurricane?

The stronger the storm, the greater the inland impact will be and the more risk areas affected. The State of Texas Emergency Management has created a map that shows the areas at risk from winds and storm surges associated with hurricanes. There are five of these risk areas, each shown in a different color and each corresponding to one of the five categories of hurricanes on the Saffir / Simpson Scale. For more information view the color coded map (PDF).

2. How will I know when to evacuate?

Your local officials will tell you. During a “hurricane watch”, listen to your radio or television constantly. Emergency officials can interrupt routine broadcasts to give special weather updates, warning messages, and evacuation information.

For 24-hour weather broadcasts from the National Weather Service, tune to NOAA Weather Radio on the high-band FM frequency 162.55 megahertz (MHz) that broadcasts from Corpus Christi.

3. What can I do to prepare for a storm?

While there are no sure ways to predict when and where a hurricane will come ashore in Texas, both cities and counties have emergency managers whose job is to prepare the community and its citizens for these storms and other disasters. For answers to specific questions you may have concerning hurricanes and preparing or them, contact your local Emergency Management Office.

In addition, for access to more resources like a brochure, a disaster supply checklist, and a map of threatened areas, view our Hurricane Information page.

4. How should I prepare for an evacuation?

Prepare a disaster supplies kit and pack it in your vehicle. Make sure your car is in good repair and full of gas. Secure your home:
- Turn off the gas, water, and electricity
- Board up the windows and draw drapes across them
- Brace garage doors; bring in or secure any loose objects in the yard
- Lock all windows and doors
- If you have a boat, secure it on a trailer near your house and fill it with water.

Make arrangements for pets before you leave; most public shelters, and many hotels and motels do not allow them.

Leave a note telling where you plan to go. Designate an out-of-area contact that family and friends can call to get information on your whereabouts. Finally, designate a meeting point for your family should you get separated.

5. What if I have small pets?

Countless times people have been told to leave their homes for a “short time”, only to find that they cannot return for days or weeks. Even disasters like gas leaks and minor flooding can keep you from tending to your animals for extended periods of time.

To prevent situations such as these, if possible, take your pets with you. It is best to be overly cautious during a disaster warning. Preparing ahead of time and acting quickly is the best way to keep you and your family, including your animals, out of danger. For more information, please view our Small Animal Hurricane Evacuation brochure (PDF).

6. What if I need help to evacuate?

Arrange beforehand with friends or family to help you evacuate. If you have no one to turn to or you have special needs, get in touch with your local officials now. They need to know who you are, where you live, and what kind of help you need so they can be ready to provide aid when a storm threatens.

7. How long will it take to evacuate?

That depends on the size of the storm and the number of people who evacuate. The chart provided will give you an idea, but keep in mind the times shown are only estimates.

They assume that all evacuation routes are open and only show the time needed to move all traffic inland just beyond the threatened risk areas. It will take longer to reach a shelter location or your final destination. Also, keep in mind, if the chart shows 10 hours, officials won’t wait until the storm is 10 hours from landfall to begin an evacuation.

Remember, the goal is to get everyone out of the threatened area before evacuation routes become impassable or unsafe due to flooding or high winds. This will happen when the storm is still many hours away from landfall. So, don’t be surprised if there are no clouds and the sun is shining when local officials tell you to evacuate. Follow their instructions; your health and safety are their main concern.

8. Where should I go?

Inland, away from the coast. Use the evacuation routes shown on the map. Most of these roads are marked with blue hurricane evacuation signs. If you have friends or family at an inland location, arrange beforehand to stay with them. If you plan to stay in a hotel or motel, make reservations prior to departure to ensure you have a room.

Cities and towns along the main evacuation routes may open public shelters, but these will be crowded and the “creature comforts” limited. If you need to use a public shelter, listen to your radio as you are evacuating to find out where shelters are open.

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Parks & Recreation

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1. Can I reserve the Community Park Pavilion or any other City Park and how can I do that?

Please call the Public Works Service Center at 361-758-3111 or come by 601 North Avenue A to reserve in person. For more information, visit the Parks Division page.

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Streets Department

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1. Who do I call if a Stop sign or Street Name sign is down or missing?

Contact the Public Works Service Center at 361-758-3111.

2. Who do I call if tree limbs are growing into the street?

Contact the Public Works Service Center at 361-758-3111.

3. How do I report a streets issue after hours or on the weekend?

The Aransas Pass Police Department dispatches on-call utility and street workers when the call comes in after hours or on weekends. Citizens can call the non-emergency police department number, (361)758-5224 for after hours water or street issues.

4. Who do I call if view of traffic (or stop sign) is blocked by something on the right of way (e.g. tree limbs, high brush)?

Contact the Public Works Service Center at 361-758-3111.

5. If I need a driveway put in who furnishes the material (culvert)?

It is the responsibility of the property owner to purchase and install all material as per City Standards. City Standards can be found on the City Website under Public Works. Owner is to call Public Works to perform inspection of culvert pipe prior to installation and also to perform inspection of driveway before pouring concrete.

6. Who mows the alleys?

All citizens are responsible for the upkeep of half of their alley.

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Trash & Brush Pickup

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1. Who is our garbage provider?

Absolute Waste (361) 387-7747

2. How often do they pick up brush?

Once a month for residential accounts with a garbage account within the City of Aransas Pass. For more information such as the map and schedule for pickups, view the Brush Pickup Schedule page.

3. If I have a mattress that I need to get rid of, where do I put it?

Mattresses and all other bulky furniture items, as well as used building materials, can be taken to the City Transfer Station located at the end of W. Myrtle Avenue. Roof shingles, TVs, chemicals and brush are not accepted. Commercial businesses are not allowed to dump at the City Transfer Station per TCEQ regulations.

The hours of the City Transfer Station are as follows:

Tuesday and Thursday 8:30 – 11:30 a.m., 1 – 4 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The City Transfer Station is currently accepting cash and credit cards for payment. 

Fees

Aransas Pass Residents with voucher- Standard truck load: $0.00, without voucher $20.00
If you are an Aransas Pass Resident you can get one (1) voucher per month from the Utilities front desk at City Hall.

• Aransas Pass Residents- 14'-16' Trailer: $35.00, Trailer with walls or greater than 16': $50.00
• Tires- Up to R20 size: $5.00 per tire

4. If my green poly cart toter gets damaged (broken wheel etc.) or stolen, who do I call to get it replaced?

Contact the City of Aransas Pass Utility Office at 361-758-5301.

5. Can I put extra items (example-bags of leaves, boxes) on the side of my toter to be picked up with my garbage?

No.

6. What do I do with my bags of leaves?

Put them inside of the toter.

7. How can I get in contact with Absolute Waste?

Absolute Waste can contacted at @ (361) 387-7747 for all needs regarding cart requests, missed collections, and customer inquiries.

8. What are the trash pickup days for my home?

The trash pickup days for your home depend on the street you live on. For more information and a map of pickup areas, view the Brush Pickup Schedule page.

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Water Boil

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1. How long will the need to boil water continue?

Public notification will be given when a boil water notice is lifted. Your water utility and your local Health Department office can also give you details on how long your boil water notice might last and will advise you when it is safe to return to normal water use.

2. How do I boil my water so that it is safe to drink?

Bring water to a FULL ROLLING BOIL for 1 MINUTE, then allow the water to COOL BEFORE USE. Because water may take 30 minutes to cool, plan ahead. Make up a batch of boiled water in advance so you will not be tempted to use it hot and risk scalds or burns. Boiled water may be used for drinking, cooking, and washing.
Here's an easy way to remember...ROLL for ONE then COOL.

3. Does my in-home water treatment system provide enough protection?

No! The Department of Health does not encourage residents to rely on home treatment units. It is recommended that you use boiled (and then cooled) water or an alternate source such as bottled water.

4. What if I have a reverse osmosis treatment unit on my faucet or house?

A properly operating reverse osmosis (RO) unit can remove pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and protozoa. However there are many units available to the public through hardware stores and elsewhere, not all of which can be relied upon to remove pathogens.

5. What is an acceptable alternate source for safe drinking water?

Acceptable alternate sources for drinking water include:
• Bottled water 
• Water from another public water supply (one that is not under the boil water notice)

6. Is it safe to use bottled water?

It is safe to use bottled water. Such water may be used for drinking, cooking, and washing with no further treatment. Bottled water may be preferable when boiling is not possible or is inconvenient. It is always a good idea for consumers to keep an emergency supply of bottled water on hand for just such a use.

7. What container should I use to obtain water from another location?

The container you use to get water from an alternate source or temporary water station can greatly affect your water. Never use a container that has ever held a chemical, gasoline or other fuel. Use only clean containers that you know are fit and that are free of all dirt and contaminants.

8. Can I use my water for cooking?

Any water used for food preparation or cooking needs to be from an acceptable alternate source or boiled first.

9. What if I am boiling my water as part of the cooking process?

It is more protective to boil the water first, to prevent the potential for inadequate heating. The cooking process should bring the water to a full rolling boil for at least one minute before adding the food item (for example, making pasta). If the water will be at a slight boil for a long time, then this will also be protective. For example, you may be cooking beans or boiling chicken for 10 - 20 minutes.

10. How should I wash fruit and vegetables and make ice?

Fruits, vegetables, and any other foods that will not be cooked should be washed and rinsed with boiled (and then cooled) water or water from an acceptable alternate source. Similarly, ice should be made with either boiled water or water from an acceptable alternate source.

11. Can I use my water for making baby formula or drinks?

No, not without precautions! Any water used for baby food, formula, or making beverages must be boiled (and then cooled) or be from an acceptable alternate source.

12. Is potentially contaminated water safe for washing dishes?

Hand-washed dishes: No! Use boiled (then cooled) water, water from an alternate source, or after washing with dish detergent rinse for a minute in a dilute bleach (1 tablespoon of unscented bleach per gallon of water). Allow dishes, cutlery, cups, etc. to completely air dry before use.
Home dishwasher: Yes, if the hot wash is at least 170o F and includes a full dry cycle. However, most home dishwashers do not reach this temperature. If you are uncertain of the temperature of your dishwasher, rinse in dilute bleach and completely air dry as described for hand washed dishes.
Commercial dishwasher: Yes, if it is a NSF listed washer and manufactured and operated with a heat sanitizing rinse set at 170oF that lasts for at least 30 seconds. Additional information on commercial dishwashers can be found in the fact sheets for food service establishments.
CAUTION - "Green" or "Environmentally Friendly" dish washer additives, which may be advertised as a disinfectant or anti-microbial, are weaker disinfectants and should not be relied on alone to eliminate potential pathogens.

13. Is potentially contaminated water safe for washing clothes?

Yes, unless a "Do Not Use" notification has been issued, it is safe to wash clothes in tap water as long as the clothes are completely dried before being worn. However, increased turbidity that sometimes occurs during a boil water event may discolor clothing, especially whites.

14. Can I brush my teeth with the water without boiling it?

No! Any water you ingest or place in your mouth should be disinfected by boiling (and then cooled) or come from an alternate source. Bottled water is excellent for brushing your teeth.

15. Is potentially contaminated water safe for bathing and shaving?

Unless a "Do Not Use" notification has been issued, your water may be used by healthy individuals for showering, bathing, shaving, and washing as long as care is taken not to swallow water.

16. How should I wash my hands during a boil water notice?

Generally, vigorous hand washing with soap and your tap water is safe for basic personal hygiene. If you are washing your hands to prepare food, you should use boiled (then cooled) water, bottled water, or water from another acceptable source for hand washing.

17. Should I use hand sanitizing lotion or wipes?

Hand sanitizing wipes alone are not enough, especially to clean your hands for making food. Alcohol based sanitizers work against some common germs (like E. coli, and Salmonella) but may not be effective for cryptosporidium and bacterium spores.

18. Is the water safe to give to my pet?

To be certain, give them water that has been boiled then cooled or water from an acceptable alternate source. Many pets regularly drink some pretty bad water, but pets come in a wide variety with variable resistances to pathogens. Many pets are vulnerable to the same diseases that humans can get from contaminated water and can spread these diseases into the environment or pass them on to their owners. More specific information may be available from your veterinarian, based on the actual animal and conditions for the boil water notice.

19. Does a boil water notice affect how I can use my toilets?

There is no need to disinfect water used for flushing.  

20. What if I have already consumed potentially contaminated water?

The likelihood of becoming ill is low. However, illness is certainly possible, especially for people that have a chronic illness or may be immunocompromised. This is why boil water notices are issued.

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Water Storage & Wastewater Management

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1. How do I report a water utility problem after hours or on the weekend?

The Aransas Pass Police Department dispatches on-call utility and street workers when the call comes in after hours or on weekends. Citizens can call the non-emergency police department number, (361)758-5224 for after hours water or street issues.

2. Is there water available to my property?

We will need to have the address, lot, and block number.

3. Why should I know what my monthly average water consumption is on my bill?

Because only you, the customer, know what you normally use and pay. If your bill is higher than normal or lower than normal, you should have the meter re-read so that any discrepancies will be caught before they cost you more.

4. If the alley is covered with high grass, how do they read the meter?

Unfortunately meter-reader has to deal with this almost every month. Home owners are responsible for cleaning their half of the alley. This is a safety issue for the homeowner as well.

5. The meter box is full of dirt, how can they read the meter?

Meter-reading occurs once a month for each meter account in the city. That means that for the next 30 days there is usually no one at that meter. Because the meter is in the ground there will be a tendency for dirt to get in the box, as well as gophers who love vacant space to push their dirt into.

Meter-readers do not clean out the entire meter box when they read. They only remove enough dirt to reach the dial.

6. If there is a leak in the meter box, who is responsible?

If you are not sure call the service center at 361-758-5301 right away. We can make the determination and if it is on our side we will make repairs. If it is on the customer’s side, you will be advised. Anything past the meter tail is the responsibility of the customer.

7. If I have a leak at my house what should I do?

If you have a water leak in your house and do not have a house shut off valve please call the service center at 361-758-5301. If it is after working hours, we have on-call personnel that will come out and turn the water off at the meter.

Please do not try shutting the water off at the meter without a proper shut off tool as this may damage the shut off and will cause a delay in shutting off the water.

It would be a good idea while the water is off to put in a shut off valve at your house in the event of another leak. This could save you water damage to floors or carpets.

8. If I have a stopped sewer who should I call first?

To determine of the stopped sewer is on your line or the city main call the service center at 361-758-5301 first before you call a plumber. We have after hours on call personnel on standby and can determine whose side it’s on.

9. There is an odor I my house, what is the cause of it?

Sewer mains do create odors but they are usually kept out of customers homes by the use of P-traps and sewer stacks. If these areas in your home are not working properly they can allow sewer gases to come back in to the home.

If you smell sewer around your home, check to see that the P-traps and sewer stacks are in proper working order first.