Milwaukee, Wisconsin – Winter officially arrives Sunday with the winter solstice, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year, and it comes as Wisconsin residents face an extended stretch of cold that raises risks inside the home as much as outdoors. From frozen pipes to heating strain, the solstice often signals when winter-related property damage begins to spike across the state.
According to the National Weather Service and Wisconsin emergency management officials, prolonged overnight cold is one of the leading causes of burst pipes, especially in older homes and properties with exposed plumbing. As temperatures stay low through the overnight hours, water sitting in pipes can freeze, expand, and crack lines before residents notice a problem.
Across southeastern Wisconsin, including Milwaukee, plumbing in basements, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls is most vulnerable. Officials recommend insulating exposed pipes, sealing drafts around vents and access doors, and keeping thermostats set no lower than the mid-50s, even overnight. Letting faucets run at a slow trickle can also help prevent freezing during the coldest nights.
Fire officials stress that residents should never use open flames, blowtorches, or propane heaters to thaw frozen pipes. Space heaters should be kept clear of flammable materials, and extension cords should be avoided to reduce fire risk during peak winter energy use.
With winter now officially underway, more cold snaps are expected as the season progresses. Residents are urged to complete home winterization now, know where their main water shutoff valve is located, and stay alert for additional advisories as conditions evolve through the heart of winter.
