Winter weather reminder: The National Weather Service is predicting extremely cold air to move into the Fort Mill area beginning Sunday evening, Jan. 19 through Wednesday, Jan. 22. Temperatures are expected to drop to a low of 19 degrees on Sunday night and 15 degrees on Monday night. During these extreme temperatures, residents are reminded to protect the pipes in their homes with the following tips:
-Allow indoor plumbing fixtures to drip to allow water to trickle through pipes and stop freezing.
-Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate and keep pipes from freezing.
-Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots
- Shut off and drain automatic lawn sprinkler systems
-Insulate pipes in unheated parts of your home
-Locate your water shut-off valve in the event of a burst pipe
-If your pipes do freeze, you can open faucets slightly, turn off your home water supply, turn up the heat in your house, wrap frozen pipes with towels soaked in hot water; or contact a plumber for help.
Other reminders: Town parks will be open during the upcoming cold weather, but please use caution when using Parks & Recreation facilities. Basketball practices and games scheduled for Jan. 21 and 22 are currently still on schedule.
The cold temperatures can also be dangerous for residents and pets. For more information about how to protect yourself from the cold or about local utilities and emergency services in the event of severe weather, please visit www.fortmillsc.gov/WinterWeather.