With below freezing temperatures predicted for this weekend, the City recommends remembering the 4 Ps to prepare for winter weather:
- People: Be mindful of children and seniors; they are especially vulnerable to cold temperatures.
- Pets: Bring pets inside. Animals that must remain outdoors should have insulated shelters with blankets.
- Plants: Bring container plants indoors if possible; cover outdoor plants with light sheets to protect them.
- Pipes: Wrap exposed faucets and pipes to prevent freezing and allow indoor faucets to drip with a mix of both hot and cold water, especially those connected to pipes most vulnerable to freezing (those located in attics, crawl spaces and outside walls).
If you experience frozen pipes:
- Shut off the main water supply to your home. If you can’t turn it off, call the City of Richardson’s 24-hour Response Line at 972-744-4111; click link below for information on how to shut off your water supply.
- Once water is shut off, open all faucets to reduce pressure and minimize flooding if pipes burst.
- If accessible, attempt to thaw frozen pipes using a hair dryer or space heater. Never use an open flame.
- As pipes thaw, inspect for leaks and contact a professional plumber for repairs if needed.
Also:
- Turn off your irrigation controller or timer to prevent not only damage to your system, but also to prevent icing of driveways/streets.
- If you plan to be out of town, set the thermostat to at least 55 degrees.
