Bursting Myths
About Winter Pipe Maintenance You’re heading out of town to escape the winter cold for a few weeks. Bags are in the car, you’re walking out the door when it occurs to you that maybe you should leave your tap faucet running to prevent pipes from bursting as temperatures continue to plummet. Not so, says Dick Lorenz, Westerville’s Water Utility Manager. “Houses in this region should be built to withstand the cold,” Lorenz said. “Homeowners in southern states may encounter this problem during a cold snap, but it’s rare for temperatures alone to cause this issue in a Westerville home.” Lorenz recommends snowbirds consider turning off the valve at the home’s waterline meter before leaving. While it’s not a necessity, it is a good idea to at least check that this valve is in good working order to help prevent a home flood in the event of an emergency. While taps inside the home should be safe, Lorenz says that there are steps homeowners can take outside to prevent future issues. “Make sure to detach outdoor hoses from spigots before temperatures drop. If you don’t have a frost-free outdoor spigot, make sure to turn off the water to outdoor faucets,” he said. Pipes in uninsulated areas of the house (like a basement) can freeze if homeowners forget to close windows or exterior doors for a prolonged period. Just like you check each room to ensure electronics and lights are turned off before leaving the house, Lorenz suggests it also makes sense to ensure all windows and doors are shut and sealed correctly. Learn more about the Westerville Water Division at www.westerville.org/water.
HOW TO SPREAD JOY
FOR THE HOLIDAYS IN WESTERVILLE The holidays are often looked at as a time to spread cheer and spend time with our own families. Showing even the smallest acts of kindness to those outside our circle can go a long way for those working through hardships during the holiday season. Fortunately, there are several organizations and groups in our community available for those looking to lend a helping hand or receive assistance during this time of year. www.westervillecaringandsharing.org Westerville Caring and Sharing is a community-centered 501(c )(3) charitable organization that reaches out to Westerville City School District students/families who are in need. www.warmwesterville.org Incorporated in 2001 as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, WARM addresses the basic human needs of unemployed and underemployed residents of the Westerville City School District. Services include a food pantry and workforce development.
www.n2nwesterville.org Neighbor 2 Neighbor (N2N) is a grassroots community-driven conversation to build spirit of community, foster neighborhood connections and encourage neighbor engagement. www.211centralohio.org Lutheran Social Services offers services to provide for the basic needs of all people. Through programs, the organization reaches 27 counties in Ohio. www.helplinedelmor.org HelpLine, which serves eight counties in North Central Ohio, is a comprehensive 24/7 resource for supporting and empowering change.
www.neighborhoodbridges.org/community/westerville Neighborhood Bridges is committed to pairing communities with schools in providing basic needs, removing barriers and seeking equity for students so they can engage and succeed in school and life.
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For more information on how to assist those in need in our community, visit www.westerville.org/heartoftheholidays.
