Sw Louisiana News

Current weather forecasts predict a hard freeze over the next several nights. Residents are advised to take precautions to protect pets, pipes, plants, and check on elderly family members or neighbors.

The City of Lake Charles Utilities Division advises that homes not on a slab or with exposed or uninsulated pipes should take steps to protect them. Homes that are well-insulated or on a slab may not need to drip a faucet. If dripping is necessary, residents should drip only one faucet, preferably the one farthest from the main water shut-off. Once temperatures rise above freezing, residents should turn off the dripping faucet to help Water Plants manage increased demand.

Residents with irrigation systems should close off their backflow prevention device and drain these systems to prevent damage.

The Lake Charles Police Department urges caution when traveling as some overpasses and bridges may freeze overnight. Rainy weather could lead to ice forming on roadways and local bridges. The City of Lake Charles Public Works Streets Division is prepared to close overpasses at Shattuck Street and Enterprise Boulevard if conditions become unsafe for travel. Emergency services will remain unaffected by any closures.

The Lake Charles Fire Department advises precautions when using portable space heaters: keep flammable materials at least three feet away, ensure heaters have an automatic shut-off, plug directly into outlets, and do not leave unattended.

In case of power loss requiring portable generators, they should be placed outside in well-ventilated areas away from the home.

For more information on City of Lake Charles services, call (337) 491-1346 or visit www.cityoflakecharles.com. For community resources, dial 211. In emergencies, dial 911.