Cold Weather Advisory & Pipe Safety Reminder

January 22, 2026

A Cold Weather Advisory is in effect from 1 AM Friday, Jan. 23, to 10 AM Saturday, Jan. 24. Wind chills could reach 20–25° below zero. In addition to keeping your family and pets safe, it’s important to protect your water pipes, which can freeze, leaving your home without water or causing bursts that lead to costly damage. 

To prevent frozen pipes: 

• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to reach pipes. 

• Keep your home heated above 55°F, even if you’re away. 

• If you’ve had experience with pipes freezing in the past, this is the time to let your water trickle. Let a slow drip of cold water run from the faucet farthest from your water meter during extreme cold, especially overnight (a stream as wide as a pencil). 

• Seal gaps and cracks around doors, windows, and foundation walls. 

• Insulate the pipes and water meter in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls. 

• Know where your shutoff valve is located in case of a burst pipe. The water shutoff valve is located where the water line enters the home or building, often near the water meter 

General tips if a pipe freezes: 

• Interior pipes: Gently warm the pipe with a hair dryer, space heater, or heat tape. Never use an open flame.  For burst or broken pipes, close the shutoff valve and call a licensed plumber immediately. 

• Water service pipes: If all water flow to your home stops and you suspect it is a frozen service line outside or underground, call DPW at 231-724-4100 (M-F 8 am-4:30 pm). If it is outside of normal business hours, call 231-737-2680. 

Taking action now can help prevent emergencies later. If you have an emergency, please call 911. If you need non-emergent support, please call, text, or visit 2-1-1 to find local assistance. Stay warm and stay safe!