A severe winter storm is expected to hit Cherryville starting Saturday. We anticipate significant ice accumulations and unseasonably cold temperatures in the teens and single digits for an extended period. Because conditions will not thaw for several days, please take the following actions immediately:
1. Plumbing & Pipe Protection
- Drip Faucets: We highly encourage you to keep a thin, steady trickle of water running (both hot and cold). This is most critical for faucets located on exterior walls.
- Open Cabinets: Keep kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open to allow heat to reach the pipes.
- Maintain Heat: Keep your thermostat set to at least 65 degrees at all times.
2. Well Water Systems
- Water Reserves: If you are on a well, fill your bathtubs now so you can manually flush toilets if the power goes out. Buy bottled water for drinking.
- Well House Prep: We have previously inspected and insulated your well house, but it never hurts to check for any new openings or exposure to the elements that can be covered. Maintaining that seal is the best way to reduce the risk of a freeze.
- Heat Lamps: We highly recommend placing a heat lamp inside the well house now. If the main line freezes or the power fails, there is very little that can be done until power and warmer temperatures return.
3. Exterior & Foundation
- Seal the Foundation: Ensure all foundation vents are closed and any openings allowing air under the house are sealed off.
- Disconnect Hoses: Remove all garden hoses immediately. Hoses left connected are the primary cause of burst pipes, flooding, and mold. Tenants may be held liable for significant repair fees resulting from hoses left connected.
- Ice Hazards: Treat walkways and steps with salt or ice melt before freezing rain begins.
4. Emergency Safety
- Power Outages: Expect multi-day outages due to ice. Charge all devices and have flashlights ready.
- Safe Heating: Never use a gas oven or a charcoal grill for heating; both pose a deadly carbon monoxide risk.
Reporting Issues: For emergencies like burst pipes, call our office. Note that icy roads will significantly delay repair crew response times.
If you are susceptible to health issues from extreme cold, please consider staying with a friend or at a local shelter, as homes will become very cold during a power outage.
Please stay safe and board up until conditions improve. We hope for the best but must prepare for the worst.
