The weather in late 2024 was milder than usual, but the early months of 2025 will undoubtedly bring more days of freezing temperatures to the Ozarks. In advance of snow and ice storms, the City of Osage Beach prepared a Plowing Priority map that divides public streets within city limits into priority zones. The Public Works Transportation Department focuses on plowing high volume streets first, followed by residential roads. Visit Winter Weather Operations for frequently asked questions about plowing and winter driving resources from the Missouri Department of Transportation.
Keeping roads clear is only one part of the City's winter weather operations. The Water Department says when temperatures drop below 15, that's when pipes are most likely to freeze. Homeowners and renters can take steps to winterize homes ahead of freezing temperatures. Read on for tips or download the printable checklist (PDF).
BEFORE THE FREEZE
- Keep out cold air: Check doors and windows for breaks and gaps, and close tightly. Seal leaks in crawl spaces and basements. Winterize unheated spaces and keep garage doors closed.
- Insulate exposed pipes and water heaters: Insulate pipes in unheated areas like attics or garages. Check manufacturer recommendations for water heaters. Get pipe insulation from hardware or plumbing stores to prevent freezing.
- Winterize outside faucets: Turn off outside faucets. Remove all connected hoses and wrap faucets with towels or a Styrofoam insulator. Also, turn off and drain automatic sprinkler systems.
- Travel preparations: If you plan to travel before a freeze, set your thermostat to 65 degrees or higher and call Public Works to request a temporary meter disconnection.*
DURING THE FREEZE
If your meter pit freezes, call Public Works immediately to minimize damage.
- Protect indoor faucets: Open cabinets under kitchen and bathroom sinks to let warmer air circulate around pipes. Remove toxic substances from these cabinets if you have children or pets.
- Drip faucets below 15℉: Pipes are most likely to freeze when temperatures dip below 15℉. Slowly drip one cold water faucet to keep pipes flowing. Consider capturing the dripping water for future use.
- Extended power outages: If a power outage lasts for more than 24 hours, call Public Works to turn off water at the meter.
*COURTESY METER DISCONNECTS
Public Works offers courtesy meter disconnects to customers. To make a request, call (573) 302-2020 during business hours. After hours, call police dispatch at (573) 302-2010. Requests are addressed in the order they are received. Meters are easily damaged, so please don’t try to turn off the valve yourself.