Cold Snap Causes Frozen Pipes in Apartments, Houses and Businesses

Fort Lee Fire Chief Marc Sulcov told Patch that the fire department has been making numerous calls to apartments, houses and businesses for frozen and broken pipes that are the result of this week's frigid temperatures.

According to Sulcov, whenever any fire protection systems -- such as a sprinkler system -- is inoperable due to a broken pipe, the fire department assigns fire wardens to the site until the problem is fixed.  

Sulcov reported that the Best Western Hotel on Route 4 experienced a broken sprinkler pipe that had frozen and burst due to the low temperatures.

"Many of these pipes are located in areas that are not well insulated," Sulcov said. "And when you couple that with days of consistent below-freezing temperatures, pipes will burst."

Sulcov stressed that despite the number of broken pipes, no residents have been displaced However, he urges everyone to be prudent and insulate pipes that may be subject to freezing.

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