Missouri braces for significant snowfall; residents urged to protect pipes from freezing

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — This weekend the National Weather Service predicts a significant snowfall to come down across the southern and central parts of Missouri.

Temperatures are expected to be well below zero and it’s important to protect your water pipes from freezing.

The Missouri Public Service Commission says the first thing you want to do is think about what pipes in your home are most vulnerable to freezing.

That includes areas such as crawl spaces, unheated rooms, basements or garages and any pipe located on an outside wall.

Once you’ve located the pipes officials shared the best material, they recommend to wrap them in.

“Wrap any exposed water pipes in insulation or UL listed heat tape,” said Sarah Fontain Director of Strategic Communications for the Missouri Public Service Commission. “With that being said, you also want to know the location of the main water shut off valve. Just in case a pipe would freeze or burst you’ll want to shut off the water immediately. A lot of times a main water valve is located along a basement wall or next to a water meter.”

If you’re going to be away from your home during the weekend, officials recommend asking a friend or neighbor to check your house daily to make sure it’s warm enough to prevent freezing.