Posted 12/22/22 8:30 a.m. - As the final hours of preparation approaches, residents are encouraged to ensure their homes and families are ready for freezing conditions. Temperatures are expected to drop quickly and strong winds will make the temperature feel like it’s in the 10’s or 1’s. Temperatures will remain below freezing for up to 36-46 hours with overnight lows below 24 in most locations during that time period.
The Parks and Recreation Department has begun shutting off water drinking fountains at all parks and the water features at City Hall and Jennie Elizabeth Hughes Park. Water fountains and features will remain off until Tuesday, December 27.
If you have outdoor holiday inflatables or decorations, ensure they are secured or removed as loose debris could become projectile and dangerous in high winds.
Please remember to take the following safety precautions.
Prepare your pipes: Please remember that the irrigation system is the responsibility of the property owner and the City cannot work on this system. You would need to contact your irrigation service company for any repairs. A simple precaution to prevent costly repairs and wasting of water is to turn off your irrigation at the backflow preventer and ensure the pipes are insulated. Also, make sure to turn off your sprinkler system at the control panel.
View this .30-second tutorial on how to drain and shut off your irrigation backflow preventer.
Heater Safety:
- Ensure your carbon monoxide detector is working
- If you plan to use a fireplace, ensure the flue is open and venting properly
- Never leave a space heater running unattended or while you’re asleep
Remember the 4 P’s of cold weather protection:
People –
- Stay inside if possible
- If you need to go out, dress in layers with gloves and a hat
- Ensure you have food, water, and medicine available
Pets –
- Bring pets inside
- Keep adequate food and water available
Pipes –
- Properly winterize any exposed pipes, faucets, and plumbing to prevent damage
- Drain and disconnect outdoor hoses
- If leaving out of town for the holidays, drain and shut off the main water supply to prevent damage
Plants –
- Bring potted plants inside or store them in the garage near the interior wall
- For cold-sensitive outdoor plants, put down extra mulch or consider covering them with cloth fabric
_______________________________________________________
Posted 12/20/22 11:15 a.m. - The National Weather Service is projecting an arctic front to move into the area Thursday afternoon. Temperatures are expected to drop very quickly with strong winds making the temperature feel like it’s in the 10’s or 1’s. Residents are encouraged to begin making preparations for freezing conditions.
Please remember to take the following safety precautions.
Prepare your pipes: Please remember that the irrigation system is the responsibility of the property owner and the City cannot work on this system. You would need to contact your irrigation service company for any repairs. A simple precaution to prevent costly repairs and wasting of water is to turn off your irrigation at the backflow preventer and ensure the pipes are insulated. Also, make sure to turn off your sprinkler system at the control panel. View this .30 second tutorial on how to drain and shut off your irrigation backflow preventer.
If your system hasn’t been turned off already, most systems can be turned off by rotating the valve handle to the closed position.
Heater Safety:
- Ensure your carbon monoxide detector is working
- If you plan to use a fireplace, ensure the flue is open and venting properly
- Never leave a space heater running unattended or while you’re asleep
Remember the 4 P’s of cold weather protection:
People –
- Stay inside if possible
- If you need to go out, dress in layers with gloves and a hat
- Ensure you have food, water, and medicine available
Pets –
- Bring pets inside
- Keep adequate food and water available
Pipes –
- Properly winterize any exposed pipes, faucets, and plumbing to prevent damage
- Drain and disconnect outdoor hoses
- If leaving out of town for the holidays, drain and shut off the main water supply to prevent damage
Plants –
- Bring potted plants inside or store them in the garage near the interior wall
- For cold-sensitive outdoor plants, put down extra mulch and consider covering them with cloth fabric
