Extreme Freezing Conditions are forecasted again for the next several days.
Be prepared side walks & roads could be covered with snow or ice. Please use extreme caution.
During extreme freezing temperatures, residents should focus on preventing frozen pipes, ensuring safe heating, and preparing a home emergency kit. Staying indoors and checking on vulnerable neighbors are also key precautions.
Home Preparations & Pipe Protection
- Allow Faucets to Drip: During severely frigid conditions, allow a slow, continuous trickle of water to run from both hot and cold faucets, especially those served by exposed pipes. This movement helps prevent the water from freezing.
- Insulate Exposed Pipes: Wrap any exposed pipes in unheated areas (attics, basements, crawl spaces, garages) with insulation sleeves, heat tape, or even layers of newspaper covered with plastic to help retain warmth.
- Maintain Indoor Heat: Keep your home heated to a minimum of 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Lower temperatures may not be sufficient to prevent pipes within walls from freezing.
- Disconnect Hoses: Disconnect and drain all outdoor garden hoses and store them indoors. Use insulated covers for outdoor spigots.
- Locate Main Water Shut-off: Ensure all household members know the location of the main water shut-off valve and how to use it in case a pipe bursts.
- Circulate Warm Air: Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes.
- Seal Gaps: Caulk and weather-strip drafty doors and windows, and seal any cracks or openings on exterior walls to prevent cold air from entering.
- Clear Gutters: Ensure gutters are free of leaves and debris to prevent ice dams, which can cause water to seep into your home.
Safety & Emergency Preparedness
- Use Safe Heating Sources: If using a space heater, fireplace, or wood stove, follow all manufacturer instructions and safety precautions. Keep flammable materials (curtains, blankets) away from heat sources and ensure proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
- Install Detectors: Install and test smoke alarms and battery-operated carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit: Stock a home emergency kit with essentials in case of a power outage:
- Flashlights and extra batteries
- Non-perishable food and bottled water (at least a three-day supply)
- Extra blankets and warm clothing
- A first-aid kit and necessary medications
- A battery-powered or hand-crank radio for updates
- Check on Others: Check frequently on elderly or vulnerable friends and neighbors to ensure they are safe and their homes are adequately heated.
- Limit Outdoor Activity: Minimize time spent outdoors during extreme cold and dress in layers of loose-fitting clothing, a hat, mittens, and warm boots if you must go out. Bring pets inside.
