Frigid Temps Burst Toms River Intermediate South Sprinklers: FD

BEACHWOOD, NJ — The frigid temperatures over the last several days that led to a break in the fire suppression sprinkler system at Toms River Intermediate South has prompted officials to again remind residents to take precautions against frozen water pipes.

"Unfortunately, we had two incidents over the past two days where sprinkler system pipes/heads burst," the Beachwood Volunteer Fire Company said in a post on Facebook Tuesday evening.

One incident happened Monday at a business, the post said, but the second happened at Toms River Intermediate South, "causing an emergency evacuation at the end of the school day," the post said.

Officials with Suez Water South Jersey have urged residents to take measures to prevent pipes from freezing and urge them to check pipes frequently.

• Run water from faucets periodically to keep water flowing
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around pipes
• For outdoor pipes and water meters, wrap the pipes in commercial insulation or heat tape, available at hardware stores.

"It's very important that all of our residents recognize that even the slightest changes in temperature or the bitter cold can cause ruptures," said Jim Mastrokalos, executive director of Suez South Jersey.

Photos via Beachwood Volunteer Fire Department Facebook page, used with permission