01/03/2025
HOW TO HELP PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY FROM EXTREME COLD
A cold snap or arctic freeze can knock out power stations, slow business and travel to a crawl, and freeze pipes. If you expect extremely cold weather —such as from a polar vortex— to impact your area, take immediate precautions to help prepare your home or business for the risk of frozen pipes.
Follow guidelines from local authorities if you receive a severe cold weather warning.
Tips to Help Prevent Burst Pipes Due to Water Freezing and
Tips to Help Prevent Frozen Pipes at Home:
Set your thermostat to at least 60°F at all times
Open cabinet doors where piping is present, such as in the bathroom and kitchen
Keep your attic door/hatch open if water filled pipes are present in the attic
Let water drip from all faucets during extreme cold
Ensure all water filled pipes are well insulated to reduce the risk of freezing
How to Reduce Your Businesses Risk from Frozen Pipes:
Keep your heat set to at least 60°F in areas where pipes with water are present.
Monitor building power and have a plan to maintain temperatures in case of power failure.
Have a trained professional regularly inspect, maintain, and test plumbing and fire sprinkler systems, and consider installing water detection sensors for added protection.
If you have a central station monitored water flow alarm, confirm it is working for your fire sprinkler system. Check that dry pipe fire protection sprinkler systems have not taken on water.
Designate and educate staff to safely shut down your building’s water supply when necessary. Be sure designated staff have access to the required valves.
Check your building’s heat and water periodically if your business is closed or unoccupied, especially during weekends and extended holidays.
We hope that you find these tips helpful!