Preparing for Winter Weather
Much of the country will be experiencing wintry conditions this week. With more winter weather likely on the way, we wanted to share some winter weather reminders. Stay safe and warm!
Winter Weather Checklist
Last year, with the extreme winter weather, we had an increase in frozen pipe claims in southern states that typically do not experience harsh temperatures. Be sure to review our Winter Weather Preparedness Checklist - wherever you are located - to ensure that your facility is prepared for winter weather and cold temperatures.
Who to Contact
In the case of a claim, please contact
Heather Cox
Claims Services Manager
Direct: 317-805-7587
Toll-Free: 888-442-7470 (ext. 7587)
heather.cox@mjsorority.com
Preventing Frozen Pipes
With arctic temperatures, frozen pipes become a concern. Frozen pipes can present an invisible threat – one that you might not recognize until the weather starts to warm. By then, the water damage can be significant and costly. Fortunately, keeping your home warmer, at a consistent temperature, and better insulated can help protect your pipes from freezing this winter.
Which Pipes Are Most at Risk?
Pipes that are most exposed to the elements, including those outdoors and along the exterior walls of your home, may need extra protection during winter months. These include the following:
How to Help Prevent Frozen Pipes
Before winter:
- Check your home for areas where water pipes are located in unheated or poorly insulated areas. Be sure to check your basement, attic, crawl space, garage and within cabinets containing plumbing. Hot and cold water pipes should both be insulated.
- Products such as pipe sleeves or UL-listed heat tape or heat cable can help insulate or heat exposed water pipes.
During winter:
- Close inside valves supplying water to outdoor faucets and hookups.
- Open outdoor faucets to allow residual water to drain; be sure to keep them open during the cold weather months, while the water supply is turned off.
- Keep garage doors closed to help protect water pipes located in the garage.
- Open the doors on cabinets where plumbing is located. This can help allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes.
- For pipes that are at risk of freezing (both hot and cold water pipes), let water drip from faucets.
- Keep the heat in your home set at a minimum of 55 degrees.
Why is a Frozen Pipe a Concern?
When water begins to freeze, it expands. This can cause both plastic and metal pipes to burst, possibly leading to significant water damage to your home.
What Do You Do if You Have a Frozen Pipe?
- If you have a leak, turn the water off immediately to prevent water damage and call a licensed plumber to make repairs. If your home is heated by an older steam heating system, consult with your heating professional to determine if it is safe to continue to run the heating system with the water supply turned off for your particular heating system.
Additional winter weather safety tips below.
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Protecting against slips, trips, and falls during winter
Reminders to keep your facility safe.
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Winter Driving Tips
Plan ahead to ensure you're prepared for winter driving with these tips.
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