The City of Memphis and Memphis Light Gas & Water (MLGW) have laid out comprehensive preparations in anticipation of the impending winter weather. As frozen precipitation is forecasted, the city and MLGW are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.

According to local reports, the City of Memphis is gearing up to deploy up to 16 trucks as part of its de-icing operation to prepare the roads for snow and ice. Additionally, the city has stockpiled over 5,400 tons of salt and sand mixture to combat the potential challenges posed by winter weather. These preparations are crucial as bitterly cold air is expected to descend on the region, accompanied by snow showers and high winds, with temperatures well below freezing.

MLGW, the city-owned utility, has also affirmed its readiness for the incoming winter weather. President Doug McGowen stated that the utility is prepared for the potential impact of the severe weather, including high winds, freezing temperatures, and possible snow. The utility has expressed its commitment to power stability and has announced plans to spend $227 million over the next five years on tree trimming to mitigate potential risks to the power infrastructure.

These proactive measures and comprehensive preparations by the City of Memphis and MLGW reflect a concerted effort to safeguard the community and minimize the potential impact of the impending winter storms. The combined efforts of the city and the utility underscore their commitment to ensuring the resilience and safety of Memphis residents in the face of challenging weather conditions.

As temperatures in Memphis continue to drop, homeowners should take several steps to prepare their homes for the winter weather. Here are some recommendations:

Indoor Preparations

Service Your Furnace: Have a technician inspect your furnace to ensure it's clean and in good repair. Regular servicing can help cut utility bills and prevent unexpected breakdowns during cold weather.

Insulate Your Attic or Crawl Space: Proper insulation can help protect your home from the cold and reduce heating costs.

Protect Indoor Pipes: To prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, insulate them, especially those on exterior walls. Open any cabinets that cover water pipes to allow warm air to circulate around them. Let both your hot and cold water faucets have a steady drip, as moving water is less likely to freeze.

Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensure these devices are working properly and replace batteries if necessary. These detectors are crucial for safety, especially when homes are closed up and heating systems are in constant use.

Outdoor Preparations

Prepare Your Home's Exterior: Clean your gutters to prevent blockages that can slow down water drainage and increase the likelihood of ice dams. Trim back tree branches that could potentially fall on your home during a storm.

Protect Outdoor Pipes: Disconnect, drain, and store your garden hoses. Buy hose bib covers for your outside hose pipes to prevent them from freezing.

Check the Roof: Inspect your roof for any damage and clean your gutters to prevent water damage and ice build-up.

Secure Outdoor Water Sources: Drain and store any garden hoses or sprinklers before the first frost to eliminate the chance of freezing. For hose bibs, shut off the water-supply valve inside your house or basement that feeds the line.

Repair Patios and Pavers: A loose patio stone or paving stone will only get worse over the winter as the natural freeze and thaw cycle can exacerbate the issue. Have loose stones reset by a mason or handyperson in the fall.

By taking these steps, homeowners in Memphis can better prepare their homes for the winter weather, potentially saving money on repairs and energy costs, and ensuring a safer and more comfortable living environment during the cold months.