Prepare for Extremely Cold Weather Starting Thursday Evening Through Friday
The U.S. National Weather Service has placed the Chicago area under an extreme cold watch beginning Thursday evening, January 22, through Friday morning, January 23. Take precautions and stay indoors if possible. Dial 911 for any emergencies.
Safety Reminders
- Stay indoors if possible. If you have to go outdoors, make sure to dress appropriately to limit exposure.
- Check on your neighbors, especially older adults and anyone living alone. If you’re concerned about someone’s well-being, call 911 to request a well-being check.
- Bring pets indoors, and limit time for bathroom breaks.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
When we experience multiple days of sub-zero temperatures, the likelihood of frozen water lines increases significantly. Frozen water pipes can happen both within the walls and floors of your home, as well as in your water service line underground. In either case, at best, you don’t have water; at worst, it is a burst water line that causes flooding in your home.
If you live in an older home, you may be well acquainted with frozen water lines, but this can happen in newer homes, too. Especially when it is this cold out! Here are some tips to help avoid frozen pipes:
- Set your washing machine to run a warm water cycle between 2:00 and 4:00 a.m.
- Set your dishwasher to start a cycle in the overnight hours.
- Empty your icemaker so it starts making ice overnight.
- Drain the water line to your exterior hose bib if your plumbing is so equipped.
- Applying heat tape on your water lines gets mixed reviews. Some consider it a fire hazard, others swear by it. (Consult your plumber if considering heat tape)
- Consider allowing a faucet to drip overnight – even a little water movement can help avoid frozen pipes.
If you suspect having a frozen water line, please call your plumber for assistance. They can help you determine where the problem is, thaw the line, and may even help insulate the line against future problems. The Village’s water mains supplying your home are large and deep enough that they do not freeze. However, call us if you need us in an emergency and your plumber can’t respond immediately.