While most are, understandably, concerned about the impact that the incoming winter storm will likely have on travel conditions, many are also preparing for weather-related impacts to other areas such as personal infrastructure.
With the dangerously low temperatures set to accompany upwards of 5 to 9 inches of snowfall over the next several days, residents are likely taking steps to keep their pipes and plumbing from freezing or bursting. With that in mind, KVOE News contacted local professionals to help provide a few reminders to homeowners looking to keep their pipes frost and ice-free.
At First Choice, Plumbing Co-Owner David Danes says making sure all areas of your house are properly sealed and insulated should be your priority.
Lenny Spellman of Plumbing by Spellman says it is also important to let your faucets drip for a while to keep them from freezing up.
Both Daines and Spellman are expecting an active few days as a result of the winter weather, however, not immediately with both saying their workload tends to increase after the cold has exited and warmer temperatures begin to seep in. With that in mind, Daines and Spellman say that residents in need of plumbing services over the next week or so should expect some delays in response due to high demand and ask for patience as they work through the list.
Speaking of patience, that is what Emporia City Manager Trey Cocking is asking for on several fronts from residents over the next few days, especially when it comes to road-clearing efforts. Cocking says he does not expect the impacts of the incoming storm will be as difficult to combat as the first winter burst of the season back in January, however, he says city crews do have some concerns with what’s ahead.
In addition to home plumbing and city streets, Cocking says city leadership is also bracing for impacts to the local power grid saying they are anticipating a great deal of usage over the week especially when it comes to residents heating their homes. Should the city experience power outages, which are a possibility given the likely high amount of use to come, the city has already announced its list of warming centers.
Locations include the Emporia Police Department entryway, Lyon County Sheriff’s Office lobby, Emporia Public Library, First Congregational Church, First United Methodist Church, Twelfth Avenue Baptist Church and Bloom House Youth Services. Hours of operation and different policies for people and pets apply, so go to KVOE.com for the updated list.
Should the area experience large-scale prolonged outages during the period of subzero air temperatures and windchills in the coming days, Cocking says the city has plans to open larger venues to help keep residents warm.
On top of local plumbers and government officials, local nonprofits offering emergency services are also bracing for a busy week. Abundant Harvest, Emporia Rescue Mission and Shiloh House spokesman Josh Graves expects all three locations will be busy. Both the Mission and Shiloh are currently full, but Graves says help is stilll available.
Donations are also encouraged, especially financial ones with the Rescue Mission working to offer short-term hotel stays for those in need. Residents can go online to emporiamission.org.
Abundant Harvest’s hot meal service on Wednesday is to be determined, but Friday hot meals are set to be added to the schedule this week. LCAT is offering free transportation if needed.
Numerous schedule adjustments have been announced. Go to KVOE.com/closings for the complete list.
Be sure to stay with KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media for updates on weather, travel and schedule adjustments. If you have schedule adjustments to add to our list, call KVOE at 620-342-1400, message the Bluestem Farm and Ranch text line at 620-342-5863 or email kvoe@kvoe.com.
