Augusta, Maine – Winter officially arrives Sunday, and with it comes an increased risk of frozen pipes, home damage, and hazardous travel conditions across Maine as prolonged cold settles in. State officials are urging residents to take immediate steps to protect homes and stay safe as temperatures fluctuate around freezing, creating ideal conditions for pipes to crack and burst.
According to the National Weather Service and the Maine Emergency Management Agency, extended cold followed by brief thaws can stress plumbing systems, especially in older homes and buildings with exposed pipes. Fire officials across New England continue to warn against using open flames, torches, or propane heaters to thaw frozen pipes due to the high risk of fires and carbon monoxide exposure.
In central Maine, including Augusta, homeowners are advised to insulate pipes in basements, crawl spaces, attics, and unheated garages. Letting faucets drip slightly, opening cabinet doors near plumbing, and sealing cracks that allow cold air inside can reduce the chance of freezing. Thermostats should be set no lower than the mid-50s, even when homes are unoccupied.
Drivers should also prepare for winter road conditions as overnight refreezing creates black ice on untreated roads, bridges, and ramps, particularly during early morning hours.
Officials say winter hazards will persist through the coming weeks, with additional cold snaps likely. Residents are encouraged to monitor local alerts and review winter safety plans as the season gets underway.
