Star Staff Reports
MLGW is prepared for severe weather expected this week including high winds, freezing temperatures, and possible snow.
Crews are prepared to work around the clock if needed to deal with weather-related outages, including water main breaks (which can occur when temperatures drop). MLGW prepares for cold weather by tracking the weather, having additional crews on standby, and ensuring equipment and vehicles are equipped with necessary tools.
Tree trimming crews have cleared 465.4 miles to date to help reduce electric outages. MLGW asks that customers prepare their homes and businesses for the extreme cold by protecting water pipes and checking on automated sprinkler systems. Water pipes can burst anytime temperatures are below freezing. A burst water pipe or water heater is considered to be an emergency situation and could pose a danger of flooding the building.
• Customers should open cabinet doors and turn water to a slow drip to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Customers can also wrap pipes either in pipe insulation (available at hardware stores) or with towels, clothes, etc… to prevent pipes from freezing.
• If your pipes freeze, turn off the main valve inside your house (if possible) and call MLGW’s emergency contact number at 528-4465.
