With the cold weather hitting Fort Erie, some residents are experiencing frozen pipes in their homes. Frozen water lines can leave a home without running water for days. Therefore, residents should ensure their emergency preparedness kits have enough bottled water and supplies for everyone in the home for at least 72 hours. Here a couple simple tips to prevent frozen pipes in your home.

• Provide insulation for walls and pipes where necessary – such as in your basement.
• Keep the temperature warm in the area of the water meter when away from home.
• Allow a small amount of water to drip from a faucet – it will cost pennies and the moving water will prevent the pipes from freezing.
• Never use an open flame to thaw pipes in your home, use a hair dryer instead.
• Ensure that you and all of your family members know where the main shutoff is in your home and how to use it in the event that it is needed in an emergency.

Residents who suspect they have frozen pipes in their home should first contact a plumber.  The Town of Fort Erie will respond to frozen service lines within the road allowance.