Nashville, Tennessee – Winter officially arrives in Tennessee this weekend as the winter solstice lands Saturday, bringing the shortest daylight of the year and longer overnight cold that can quietly create problems inside homes. While temperatures may not stay consistently frigid yet, officials say the solstice is a clear signal to prepare ahead of the colder stretches that typically arrive in January.
According to the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office and emergency management officials, frozen and burst pipes are among the most costly winter issues statewide. Pipes located in crawl spaces, unheated garages, basements, and exterior walls are especially vulnerable during cold snaps, even when daytime temperatures rebound above freezing.
In Nashville, residents are urged to insulate exposed plumbing, seal gaps that allow cold air into homes, and confirm the location of their main water shut-off valve before an emergency happens. Letting faucets drip during cold nights and opening cabinet doors under sinks can help reduce pressure inside pipes and allow warmer indoor air to circulate.
Fire officials strongly warn against using open flames or fuel-powered heaters to thaw frozen pipes, citing serious fire and injury risks. Instead, residents should use safer warming methods or contact a licensed plumber if pipes appear frozen or begin leaking.
With winter now underway and January cold still ahead, officials say early preparation can prevent major damage. Additional cold weather advisories and safety reminders may be issued as conditions change across Tennessee.
