Update: City of Valdosta closures and service adjustments
Published 3:12 pm Wednesday, January 22, 2025
The City of Valdosta has updated its plans and advisories in response to potential hazardous weather conditions. Please review the following updates regarding city closures, travel advisories, and service changes.
City Building Closures
All City buildings will remain closed on Thursday, January 23, 2025, due to the risk of black ice. Residents are urged to exercise caution if travel is necessary. Essential personnel will continue to operate as needed to ensure critical city functions are maintained.
Council Meeting
The regularly scheduled Council meeting will proceed as planned at 5:30 PM on Thursday, January 23, 2025, despite the building closures.
Travel Advisory
A travel advisory remains in effect until further notice. Motorists are encouraged to drive carefully and remain alert for icy conditions, especially on roads and bridges.
Public Works Services
Public Works sanitation services are delayed by two days this week:
- Wednesday routes will be collected on Friday.
- Thursday routes will be collected on Saturday.
- Regular scheduling, including Friday routes, will resume on Monday, January 27, 2025.
Customer Service
While the City’s online customer service portal will remain operational, the drive-through and lobby will be closed on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
Utilities
As temperatures drop, it’s essential to winterize your backflow preventers. A functioning backflow preventer safeguards Valdosta residents by preventing contaminants from entering the public water system through unapproved sources.
Follow these steps to protect your backflow preventer:
-
Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate the shut-off valve that controls water flow to the backflow preventer. Turn it off to stop water from flowing into the device. -
Drain the Backflow Preventer
Open the test cocks (small valves on the backflow preventer) using a flathead screwdriver. This allows trapped water to drain out. Leave the test cocks open during freezing temperatures to prevent pressure buildup. -
Insulate the Device
Wrap the backflow preventer and any exposed pipes with foam pipe insulation or insulating tape. Use weather-resistant materials to cover the entire device, including test cocks, valves, and pipes. -
Cover for Extra Protection
Place a weatherproof, insulated cover or enclosure over the backflow preventer. These are available at most hardware stores and offer additional freeze protection. -
Check Regularly
Monitor the backflow preventer throughout the winter to ensure insulation remains intact and there are no leaks.
Taking these steps can help avoid costly repairs and keep your backflow preventer in good condition during cold weather. If you have any concerns, please contact the After Hours and Emergency Utilities Number at (229) 434-4132.
Municipal Court Session Rescheduled
The Valdosta Municipal Court session originally scheduled for Thursday, January 23, 2025, has been rescheduled to Wednesday, February 26, 2025. For additional information, please contact the Valdosta Municipal Court at (229) 293-3171.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused by these changes and thank the community for their cooperation as we prioritize safety during this period.
For further updates, please visit the City of Valdosta website at www.valdostacity.com or follow us on social media.