As a cold front moves into Hickory, dropping temperatures into the single digits, city officials are advising residents to take precautions against frozen pipes. The City of Hickory's Public Utilities Department highlights several steps people can undertake to safeguard their homes from the incoming freeze. These recommendations include insulating pipes, keeping a steady indoor temperature, and learning how to shut off water in case of an emergency, as reported by the city's official website.
Specific tips provided to residents involve, disconnecting and draining garden hoses, keeping garage doors shut to insulate against the cold, and opening cabinet doors to allow heat to circulate around vulnerable plumbing. Even small actions, such as setting faucets to drip slowly during extreme cold, can make a difference in preventing frozen pipes. According to the Public Utilities Department, "Maintain a consistent indoor temperature day and night. Avoid lowering the thermostat overnight, as this increases the risk of frozen pipes."
Frozen pipes are more than an inconvenience—they can lead to expensive water damage and displacement. In an effort to prevent these incidents, the city has issued instructions to close windows near water pipes and cover any open-air vents that might introduce drafts, as found on Hickory's website.
The Public Utilities Department stands ready to assist, urging residents to report water line breaks or other water issues at 828-323-7427. For those seeking constant updates about the winter weather and tips for pipe maintenance, the city recommends following City of Hickory, NC – Government on Facebook, and the Twitter handle @CityofHickory.
