Village of Grand Rapids Releases Winter Safety Notice

The Village of Grand Rapids is asking residents to prepare for an incoming snowstorm and extremely cold temperatures expected this weekend.

Front Street, between Wapakoneta Road and West Street, has been designated a snow emergency street on both sides. Once two inches of snow have fallen and additional snowfall is expected, all vehicles must be removed from this section of Front Street to allow for safe snow removal. Snowfall is expected Saturday evening. Residents are encouraged to move vehicles late Saturday evening so village crews can plow safely and efficiently.

Property owners are also reminded that they are required to clear snow and ice from sidewalks abutting their premises within 24 hours after a storm ends. Failure to do so may be considered a public nuisance.

For after-hours water or sewer emergencies, residents should contact the Wood County Sheriff’s Office at (419) 354-9001 and select Option 9 to dispatch a village employee.

With extremely cold temperatures in the forecast, village officials are urging homeowners to take precautions to prevent frozen pipes and water damage. Homeowners are responsible for the water and sewer lines on their property and inside their homes. Residents should turn off water to outdoor faucets, remove hoses, and drain exterior pipes. Open vents should be covered from the inside with insulation, plastic, or cardboard. On colder nights, cabinet doors should be opened to allow warm air to circulate around pipes, and areas with water meters and interior pipes should be kept at a minimum of 55 degrees. Letting kitchen or bathroom faucets drip slowly during very cold nights can also help prevent freezing. Pipe insulation is only effective if the interior living space is heated.

Residents using generators during power outages are reminded not to run them inside homes or garages and to ensure proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

If a pipe freezes, residents should shut off the water immediately and avoid thawing pipes unless the water is turned off. The cold or hot water faucet closest to the frozen pipe should be opened to relieve pressure. Heat can be applied by warming the air around the pipe or using a hair dryer, space heater, or hot water, but space heaters should not be left unattended, and open flames or kerosene heaters should not be used indoors. Once pipes have thawed, water should be turned back on slowly and checked for leaks. If there is any doubt, a licensed plumber should be contacted.

Village officials also recommend that households store water ahead of time in case of a water main break or frozen meter. The recommended amount is one to two gallons per person, per day, for at least three days. Residents are reminded to store water for pets as well.

For pipe or furnace repairs contact Measel Heating and Cooling at 419-419-9245 or Kendell Plumbing, Heating and Cooling at 419-352-8561.