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Update: CHT is closed Monday January 26. If you are in need of immediate assistance please contact the appropriate authorities or service providers. We will respond to all inquiries as soon as possible, but are not able to provide emergency assistance.

We are closely monitoring Winter Storm Fern, which is expected to impact our area in the coming days. This page will be updated when additional information becomes available.

Please review the information below to help keep you and your household safe.

Please remember that CHT is not able to provide emergency services. If you need immediate assistance or experience a weather-related emergency, please contact the appropriate emergency or local resources right away.

• Emergency Services: 911
• Chapel Hill Police Non-Emergency Line: (919) 968-2760
• Report Power Outages: (Duke Power) (800) 419-6356
• Orange County Water & Sewer: (919) 968-4421
• Electrical, Plumbing and HVAC provider  contacts can be found on our approved vendor list

Resources including weather alerts, important updates, emergency shelter information, and other preparedness information can be found at readyorange.org.

We encourage all homeowners to prepare ahead of the storm.

Key preparation steps include:

• Check your emergency kit (blankets, flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food items).
• Ensure you have several days of food, water, medications, and supplies.
• Plan for possible power outages and safe heating options. Review safety tips for using emergency heat sources.
• Monitor local weather updates and alerts.

• Ensure your heating system is in good working order before any inclement weather begins.
• Seal drafts: Seal any drafts around windows and doors to keep the cold air out and warm air in.
• Check batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

Protecting Your Pipes

With the drop in temperatures, the possibility of frozen pipes increases, which can lead to significant damage and inconvenience. You can take the following steps to prepare and prevent major damage.

• Insulate exposed pipes: Ensure that pipes in unheated areas such as crawl spaces, basements, and attics are adequately insulated. This helps prevent them from freezing.
• Allow faucets to drip: On extremely cold nights, allow faucets to drip slightly to relieve pressure in the pipes, reducing the risk of freezing.
• Leave cabinet doors open: Keep cabinet doors under sinks open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
• Protect outdoor faucets: Disconnect hoses and install insulated faucet covers on exterior faucets to protect them from freezing.
• Warm storage closets: Turning on the lights in outside storage closets that house water heater and other plumbing pipes provides a source of heat in those areas.

Locating Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve

In case of an emergency or if you need to shut off water to your home, it is crucial to know the location of your main water shut-off valve. Typically, this valve is located inside the house, often in the basement or crawl space near the water heater. It may also be located on an exterior wall.

If you live in a community where the HOA is managed by CHT, the pictures below may help you locate your main water shut-off valve. For homeowners in other communities, you can check your home inspection report or contact CHT for help finding your shut-off valve.