FREEZE WARNING: Prevent Frozen and Burst Pipes During Cold Snap
Be Prepared–Emergency Response May Be Delayed
Due to National CenturyLink Outage
Temperatures are not expected to rise above freezing this weekend, which is a recipe for frozen and burst pipes. Residents are urged to take the following steps to prevent property damage and loss of water service related to frozen pipes:
• Open sink cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around pipes—especially if they’re on an outside wall.
• Drip a faucet in the sink located furthest from your water meter. The moving water is less likely to freeze, and will help reduce pressure build-up if a freeze does occur.
• Going to be away from home? Don’t turn the heat all the way down. Experts recommend maintaining a minimum indoor temperature of 55° Fahrenheit.
• Insulate exposed outdoor pipes and hose bibs/faucets.
• Know the location of your emergency shut-off valve, if you have one. This can be used to turn off water to your house if a pipe should burst.
REMEMBER: Nationwide network outages are currently affecting CenturyLink, which in turn is affecting Water Authority phone lines. Responses to emergency calls for water shut-offs and frozen water meters may be delayed.
If residents require an emergency turn-off and cannot reach the Water Authority via its main emergency number, 842-WATR (9287), they can call the backup line at 238-4019 or send an email to FieldDispatch@abcwua.org. Someone will respond as soon as possible, but high call volumes and long waits are anticipated.
Residents are therefore urged to prevent frozen pipes before they happen!
Bundle up, stoke the fire and be on the watch! I have received numerous text messages alerting me of the Blizzard Warning for Albuquerque and surrounding area! We are praying for the safety of all, please be careful in the morning. It is also going to get very cold, the high temp in ABQ on Friday will be just 32 the low will be 12, on Saturday 30 for a high and just 6 for a low! WOW! KOB TV REPORT
