Winter weather can take its toll. Here are some suggested steps for keeping your family and home safe in extreme winter weather conditions.
Indoors
- Maintain heat at 65 degrees minimum (including in the basement) at all times
- Turn on sink and bath faucets to drip cold water preventing pipes from freezing
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing
- Shut off and drain outdoor faucets from inside the basement or garage
- Locate the emergency shut off valve, usually found near the water heater, washing machine or where the water service pipe enters the home. If a pipe bursts, use the valve to shut off water
- In the event of a power outage, keep flashlights, batteries and first aid supplies on hand. Be sure to turn off or disconnect electronics in case of a power surge
- Keep your garage door closed to help keep cold air out of the garage and protect the pipes in your walls.
Outdoors
- Use an outdoor faucet cover found in most hardware stores under outdoor hose bib insulation and disconnect your hose from the hose bib and allow faucets to drip
- If the main shut off valve to your home is located in the garage, please wrap the valve with an old blanket to prevent freezing.
- Beware of overhanging trees and branches that can easily break with the weight of the snow.
- Please wrap the water meter located near the curb in your front yard with old blankets to prevent freezing. Be sure to secure the utility lid when finished to avoid a potential trip hazard.
Request Service or Report Damage
If your home is damaged by extreme weather, submit a service request online or by calling 833.PRG.RESS (833.774.7377).
Stay safe and warm!
