Public works warns residents to winterize: frozen fire suppression and hose bibs likely in coming cold spell

The town’s public-works director, Jay Berry, warned residents to prepare for a sustained cold period and advised actions to avoid frozen fire-suppression systems and subsequent flooding.

Speaking during the public-works report, Jay said the town expects more than 72 hours of below-freezing temperatures and that top-floor fire-suppression piping located in attics is particularly vulnerable to freezing in vacant or minimally heated units. He urged homeowners who live next to an empty townhouse, or owners of vacant units, to verify that heat is maintained in those properties and to contact the town if they need assistance — because when an attic suppression line freezes and bursts it can flood adjacent units.

Jay recommended homeowners set thermostats higher than typical “away” settings during the cold snap (he said thermostats that normally go to 55–60°F are insufficient and suggested maintaining interior temperatures in the 70s for vacant units during the event) and to check frost-free hose bibs, which can still freeze in very cold stretches. He said the town plans to issue a public advisory and urged HOAs and residents to inspect neighboring empty units before the cold front arrives.

The mayor and other council members thanked the public-works staff for the warning and said town communications teams will circulate reminders to residents.

Ending: Public-works staff will circulate an advisory to residents and the town will work with HOAs to reduce the risk of freeze-related flooding during the extended cold period.