Mesquite, TX – February 12, 2021 – With freezing temperatures expected to continue throughout the weekend and into early next week, the City of Mesquite wants to remind residents to protect the three P’s: People, Pets and Pipes.
First, it’s important to secure your home and protect your pipes from freezing. Here are a few precautions that will help residents decrease the chances of having plumbing problems.
- Insulate exposed pipes and cover outdoor faucets to help prevent freezing.
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses to prevent a hard freeze from bursting the outdoor faucet or the pipe leading to it.
- Open doors below sinks to allow warm air to reach the pipes.
- Let the water run temporarily. Leave a small trickle of water running–don’t forget the bathtub and shower.
- Locate the main water shut-off valve. If a pipe breaks somewhere in the house, the water can be turned off at this main valve.
All pet owners are reminded that dogs may not be left outside when a Freeze Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service. Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet. It is also against the animal ordinance to keep animals tethered outside. Please view the amended animal ordinance at www.cityofmesquite.com/AnimalOrdinance for more information. To report abuse, please call Mesquite Animal Services at 972-216-6283.
Most importantly, residents are urged to prepare in case there is a disruption in services due to the inclement weather. There is a Winter Storm Warning in effect for most of the area from Saturday morning until Monday evening. Residents are encouraged to prepare for the weather by:
- Stocking up on food
- Stocking up on supplies to clear sidewalks and driveways
- Filling up their cars with gas
- Creating an emergency kit
Atomos Energy also offered the following Cold Weather Safety Advisory:
- Never use an oven or a gas stovetop to heat your home.
- Protect natural gas meters. Natural gas meters are weather-proof; however, to ensure that the meter keeps working smoothly, remove snow and ice from natural gas meters with a broom or brush. Never kick or chip snow and ice away with a hard object.
- Safely remove snow from vents for dryers and other natural gas equipment. Blocked vents for dryers and other gas appliances can lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide gas.
If you think you smell gas, act fast. Leave the area immediately and from a safe distance all 911 and the Atmos Energy emergency number: 866-322-8667. Learn more at atmosenergy.com/wintersafety.