LAFAYETTE, La. (Jan. 12, 2024) – Lafayette Consolidated Government, in coordination with the Lafayette Office of Homeland Security and the National Weather Services in preparations for the forecasted extreme temperatures, encourages residents to begin preparations now.
Temperatures are predicted to drop below freezing in Lafayette from Monday evening until Wednesday. Please be mindful of your home and traffic conditions. Residents should be prepared to take action to protect people, pets, pipes, and plants. Individual preparations should be completed before Monday evening.
People: Layer up and dress warmly to stay insulated. Limit outdoor exposure, especially during extreme cold and wind. Check on loved ones and make sure they have heat and warm clothing.
Pets: Bring pets inside. If it is too cold for you, it is too cold for your pets.
Plants: Cover or bring inside any plants that cannot tolerate cold weather.
Pipes: There is a greater potential for water leaks and damage. Now is a good time to prepare your home to prevent frozen pipes and water damage. Drive carefully during these conditions, especially crossing bridges, which ice first.
Kent LaBry, LUS Conservation Specialist, has these additional tips for protecting your home during extremely cold weather:
- Do not drip/run water from your faucets.
- Wrap exposed pipes with insulation outside and underneath the home (if above ground).
- Cover outdoor faucets.
- Protect any water pipes that run throughout the attic.
- Disconnect and drain any outside water hoses.
- Maintain a home temperature no lower than 55 degrees.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors under sinks, especially if along an outside wall, to allow heat to circulate uninsulated pipes.
- If away from home, turning off the water at the hand-cut-off valve and drain pipes is suggested.
If you do experience a frozen pipe:
- Do not attempt to thaw pipes with a torch or flame.
- Thaw pipes with heat from a hair dryer or hot water.
- Inspect pipes after thawing for any leaks.
- Monitor your home’s water usage after the freeze for five days with your LUS online account for signs of a possible leak at www.lus.org/MyAccount.
- If a pipe bursts, shut off the hand cut-off valve or call LUS at (337) 291-5740 if you need assistance locating the hand cut-off valve.
With temperatures below freezing, if you experience a burst pipe or have water issues, please call LUS at (337) 291-5740. If you experience a power outage, please call LUS at (337) 291-9200. If you experience any type of roadway emergency, call 911.
Plans are being finalized for the provision of a warming center for those who are unsheltered or who lack adequate heat. Details will be announced over the weekend.
