With the coldest air of the season expected to settle over the region this weekend, Park Forest officials are urging residents to take immediate steps to protect their water pipes from freezing and bursting.

Forecasts indicate that temperatures will fall sharply beginning Friday night, with daytime highs in the single digits and wind chills well below zero. Public Works Assistant Director Nick Christie stated that these conditions pose a significant risk to residential plumbing, particularly in older homes or properties with exposed pipes.

“This is the type of cold that puts real stress on a home’s plumbing system," Christie said. “A small amount of prevention now can save residents from major damage and costly repairs later.”

The Village is advising residents to let faucets drip slightly, especially those connected to pipes running along exterior walls. Homeowners should also open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate and keep interior temperatures above 55 degrees, even if away from home. For homes with crawl spaces or basements, officials recommend sealing cracks and ensuring pipes are properly insulated.

“When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands and creates pressure that can cause the pipe to rupture once temperatures rise again,” Christie said. “We see it every winter, and it can happen quickly.”

Busted pipes can lead to thousands of dollars in structural damage, Christie added, making preventive steps especially important as the extreme cold arrives.

“A simple step like letting a faucet drip or adding insulation can prevent a major emergency,” Christie said. “We want residents to stay warm, stay safe, and avoid problems that are completely preventable.”

Residents who experience frozen or burst pipes should shut off their water at the main valve and contact a plumber immediately. The Village also encourages residents to check on neighbors, particularly seniors, during the cold spell.