Unoccupied Residence and Hurricane/Emergency Preparation

 

Unoccupied Residences

In order to prevent high bills from unexpected water leaks from unoccupied residences with active services, it is always a good idea to turn off the water supply to your residence at the main shut off valve. The main shut off valve is usually located near the water meter or where the pipes enter the dwelling from the outside. We also suggest that you turn off and drain your water heater.

Winterizing Your Home to Avoid Freeze Damage

In south Louisiana where many of our residences are built above ground, it's always a good idea to winterize your home to avoid freeze damage from those occasional sub-freezing temperatures. The first step to winterize your home is to keep your residence heated.  The heating system in the home can help to keep waterlines from freezing.  Wrap water pipes with foam pipe insulation and hold the insulation in place with duct tape.  Secure thermostatic heating tape around the pipes with duct tape, plug the heat tape into a nearby receptacle to help maintain a constant pipe temperature.  If the residence will not be heated or unprotected plumbing is exposed to the sub-freezing temperatures, then draining the plumbing lines is the best form of freeze prevention. Turn off the water supply at the main shut off valve. The main shut off valve is usually located near the water meter or where the pipes enter the residence from the outside. Open all faucets in the residence including showers and tubs. Flush the toilets. Begin on the top floor of the house and work your way down. We also suggest that you turn off and drain your water heater.  If you must drip your water, drip the faucet at the furthest distance from the point where the water enters your house using a "pencil thin" drip.  This will allow water to pass through all of the piping.  Excessive running of water is wasteful and can cause lower than normal presurres throughout a water system.

Hurricane/Emergency and Evacuation Preparations

If you are planning to evacuate your residence, please turn off the water supply to your residence at the main shut off valve. The main shut off valve is usually located near the water meter or where the pipes enter the dwelling from the outside. We also suggest that you turn off and drain your water heater.

LAWCO has emergency electric generation equipment for our water wells and water treatment plants to ensure an adequate supply of potable water during power outages caused by hurricanes, tropical storms and tornados. However, it always a good idea to keep an emergency supply of water to provide for your family if needed. Having an ample supply of clean water is a top priority in an emergency. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers and ill people will need even more. You will also need water for food preparation and hygiene. Store a total of at least one gallon per person per day. Store your water in thoroughly washed plastic, glass, fiberglass or enamel-lined metal containers. Never use a container that had held toxic substances. Plastic containers, such as soft drink bottles are best. You can also purchase food-grade plastic buckets or drums if needed. Seal water containers tightly, label them and store in a cool, dark place. Rotate water every six months.

For more information about severe weather and emergency preparation, visit the Governor's Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness website at http://www.gohsep.la.gov.

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Water Usage Tips

Recycle DropDeep soaking the lawn promotes deep root growth which requires less watering.