City: Turn Off, Winterize Irrigation Systems

JOHNS CREEK, GA -- When temperatures drop below the freezing mark, you can take steps to protect yourself, your home, your business, and your car.

There's another step you can take to protect those who utilize public streets and sidewalks: turning off irrigation systems.

Johns Creek Public Works officials report that in the past, crews have had to de-ice roads and sidewalks where automatic sprinklers turned on and the water froze.

To winterize your irrigation system:

• turn off water to the system at the main valve
• set the automatic irrigation controller to the "rain" setting
• turn on each valve to release pressure to the pipes, and
• drain all of the water from any components that might freeze.

Other, more general winter weather tips include bringing your pets inside; protecting young or tender plants; winterizing your home to stay warm and save energy; winterizing your car to ensure it's safe and reliable; and assembling an emergency winter kit for the trunk of your car that includes blanket, extra boots and gloves, ice scraper, small snow shovel, flashlight and kitty litter for traction when your car is stuck in snow.

You can also visit the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention's website for additional winter weather safety tips.

Image via Neal Herbert