Winter Storm Preparedness and Updates

Emergency personnel recommend residents monitor local weather reports and limit travel before road conditions become dangerous. When roads are unsafe, stay home.   

Remember to call 911 only for actual emergencies. Do not call 911 or emergency services phone lines to ask about road conditions or power outage updates. You can visit DriveNC.gov or the Duke Energy website for road and power updates. Please leave 911 lines available for true emergencies.  

Know your winter weather terms, monitor forecasts, and sign up for weather alerts. The City offers National Weather Service alerts through the AlertHVL notification system. Sign up for alerts at https://www.hendersonvillenc.gov/alert-hvl   

• Prepare your home and vehicles for winter weather:  

• Winterize your home by using insulation and weather stripping.  

• Take steps to prevent water pipes from freezing.  

• Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.  

• Use heaters and generators safely; generators should only be used outdoors and keep them away from windows and doors.  

• Keep up with vehicle maintenance, keep your gas tank full, and carry an emergency supply kit with jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, and other essentials.  

• Make a kit and have a plan:  

• Build an emergency kit for your family that includes water, non-perishable food, medications, a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio, flashlights, batteries, cash, and other supplies. You should be prepared for at least three days, or longer if you live in a remote area.  

• Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation. 

• Make a family plan that includes how to communicate and where to meet if separated. Practice your plan regularly.  

For more information on winter weather preparedness, visit readync.gov and ready.gov for additional resources and tips.  

Hendersonville Public Works clears snow and ice from City streets. The NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is responsible for state-maintained roads. Visit the City's Snow and Ice Removal webpage to learn more about the process and view snow removal zones.  

Residents and businesses can help Public Works by:  

• Avoiding on-street parking when snow is predicted, so plows can clear roads more easily.  

• Businesses in the Main Street and 7th Avenue districts should clear sidewalks when winter weather is in the forecast to assist with snow and ice removal operations.  

Prepare your family and home for winter storms: 

• Due to the potential for power outages that may result in temporary loss of water service, please consider storing water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, and other hygiene uses. Store at least one gallon per person, per day. In addition to bottled water, tap water may be stored in reusable containers. 
• Disconnect and drain all garden hoses and cover outdoor faucets.  
• Keep garage doors closed.  
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to let warm air reach plumbing.  
• Know where your water shut-off valve is and how to use it.  
• Wrap pipes near exterior walls and in crawl spaces with insulation or heating tape.  
• Keep your thermostat at a steady temperature day and night. This may raise your heating bill slightly but helps prevent frozen pipes that could burst and cause major damage.   
• Close windows near water pipes and seal any open-air vents to reduce drafts.  
• Sign up for free Aquahawk water leak alerts.  

If a Faucet or Pipe Inside Your Home Freezes:   

• Start thawing near the faucet. Keep the faucet open so melted water can drip out.   
• Use a hair dryer to warm the pipe (keep it away from standing water to avoid electric shock.) Another method is to soak towels in hot water and wrap them around the frozen section.   
• Never use torches, open flame, or extreme heat to thaw pipes – they can cause pipes to burst and result in serious injury.  

If a pipe bursts, turn off the water at the main valve. If the break is in a hot water pipe, close the valve on top of the water heater. Keep an emergency number for a plumber nearby and call one as soon as possible.   

If you think your water meter is frozen, contact the Water Department at 828-697-3073. A technician will check the meter to make sure the water is flowing correctly. All pipes and plumbing on the customer’s side of the meter is the homeowner’s responsibility.  

In an emergency, the Hendersonville Water Department is available 24/7. While the City cannot assist with indoor plumbing repairs, staff can shut off water service to help reduce damage.   

For assistance, call Hendersonville Water & Sewer at 828-697-3073.