New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has declared a State of Emergency starting 8 a.m. Sunday, cautioning New Jerseyans to use caution and limit time spent outdoors as the Polar Vortex sweeps the area with below 0-degree windchills through Wednesday.
“As always, I urge all New Jerseyans to use caution, follow all safety protocols, and remain off the roads unless absolutely necessary,” Murphy said in a statement on social media.
With very cold weather and temperatures reaching the teens and below, and windchills in the minus-degree category, the Margate City Fire Department would like to remind all residents and out-of-town property owners to take precautions to protect their homes from damage due to frozen pipes.
Hopefully, all outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems have been winterized and garden hoses disconnected at all properties, officials said.
If you have or see a frozen or broken water pipe report it to police immediately to control the hazard and prevent further damage.
The best thing to do at vacant homes is to make sure the heat is turned up above 55 degrees to prevent indoor pipes from freezing, bursting and flooding indoor spaces.
Let a faucet drip slowly from the highest point in the house, especially those connected to pipes running through exposed areas like exterior walls or unheated spaces.
Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.
Maintain a steady thermostat setting throughout the day and night.
In advance of the cold, seal any cracks or gaps around pipes and windows to prevent cold air infiltration. Add insulation to exposed pipes, particularly in basements, crawl spaces, and garages.
The Department of Public Works is standing by to address any in-ground water mains that might burst, and may be limited in their response to property owners while they work to restore service to the community.
Margate City Fire Chief Dan Adams said residents will notice signs of freezing before the pipes actually break and provided the following advice: