Just about anything is possible when temperatures dive below zero – frozen water pipes, water main breaks, loss of heat, energy outages, and more.
Following are some tips for safely responding to conditions that might arise due to extreme cold expected this week. Find more information and additional details about staying safe during emergencies, including safe use of generators and how to keep warm when without heat, at www.davenportiowa.com/prepare.
- Use space heaters safely, following the manufacturer’s instruction. Place space heaters at least three feet away from any combustibles such as wallpaper, bedding, draperies, clothing, and furniture. Never leave them operating when you are away from the room or asleep. Don’t leave children or pets unattended with a space heater and never use them to dry clothing, shoes or mittens.
- Never use your oven to heat your home. There is a danger of overheating and generating lethal carbon monoxide levels.
- Know where your water shut-off valve (the one inside near the meter) is. Knowing where your shut-off valve is and how to shut-off the water supply will help protect your home from damage if a pipe bursts and you need to shut off your water supply.
- To help keep pipes from freezing, open cabinet doors to allow heat to circulate around the pipes. You might also leave water dripping just a little from your faucets to help keep pipes from freezing.
- If pipes are frozen, do not attempt to thaw them unless the water is shut off. Freezing can cause unseen cracks in pipes and joints. Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame, the danger of fire is too high! Using a hair dryer, space heater, or exhaust from a vacuum cleaner can also present hazards. If the pipe bursts while using electrical appliances you may be electrocuted. The best course of action is to allow the pipes to thaw with time or to call a plumber. Find more information at the link provided.
- Consider filling prescriptions early, so you don’t have put yourself at increased risk during inclement weather.
- Know the warning signs of hypothermia.
Report water main breaks to IowaAmerican Water Company at 866.641.2108.
Print copies of the guide are currently available at City Hall located at 226 W 4th St and at Public Works located at 1200 E 46th St.