Deep Freeze Alert from JEA

Press Release: December 23th, 2004

Jackson Energy Authority is urging Jackson residents to take precautions immediately to protect their water meter and pipes from freezing because of the near zero weather conditions.

“The single digit temperatures Jackson is facing can freeze water meters and pipes and can cause much damage as broken pipes thaw,” said Truman Murray, senior vice president of JEA Water/Wastewater Division.

Company officials say extra employees are available to handle any problems caused by the weather, but as always - JEA IS ACCESSIBLE ALL DAY-EVERYDAY AT 422-7500 IF PROBLEMS OCCUR.

Meanwhile, JEA urges residents to take the following precautions to help prevent water meters and pipes from freezing and to help insure they have running water throughout the current weather crisis:

• Temporarily close off and cover vents and other openings to crawl spaces.
• Disconnect all outside hoses and wrap spigots.
• Open cabinet doors to indoor plumbing on the north side of the house so the home's heat can reach the pipes.
• Wrap any pipes exposed to cold weather.
• Leave water dripping from one faucet in the house.
• If you are going away from home during possible near zero degree weather, ask Jackson Energy Authority to turn off your water at your meter.
• If you own a vacant building, particularly if it has a sprinkler system, take steps to make sure the sprinkler line does not freeze.

If your pipes do freeze…

• Call JEA to prevent damage when your pipes thaw.
• Never thaw pipes with an open flame.
• Never use electrical equipment in or near water.