Freezing Conditions Anticipated

With freezing conditions anticipated for this weekend, we wanted to take a moment and provide some helpful recommendations. Stay warm!

• Drain and shut off outside spigots. Disconnect hoses and ensure exterior faucets are fully turned off and drained.
• Set interior temperatures higher than usual. Thermostats only measure temperature at their location. Pipes in exterior walls, mechanical rooms, and service chases are much colder and need additional heat.
• Going away? Don’t turn off the heat. You can lower the temperature, but never shut it off entirely. For extra protection, consider turning off the water supply and running faucets to drain the lines.
• Vacant and infrequently occupied units require extra attention.
  • Confirm heat is on and set to an appropriate minimum temperature.
  • Verify electricity is active and uninterrupted.
  • Have staff or property managers physically check these units before and during the freeze.
• Communicate heating requirements to occupants. For occupied units, ensure tenants understand they must maintain adequate heat during cold weather and avoid shutting systems off.
• Confirm fuel supply and system operation.
  • Make sure oil tanks are adequately filled and fuel deliveries are scheduled.
  • Verify heating systems are operational and have been recently serviced.
• Know where the main water shutoff is. Check basements or utility rooms and clearly label the shutoff valve so it’s easy to find during an emergency.
• Watch pipes in unheated spaces. Attics, garages, and crawlspaces are common problem areas. If sprinkler or water lines run through these spaces, have a professional confirm they’re properly protected.
• Let faucets drip and open cabinets where appropriate. A slow drip and open cabinet doors allow warm air to circulate around vulnerable plumbing.

If a freeze does occur:

• Turn off the water immediately.
• Call a mitigation company right away. Prompt professional response can significantly reduce damage. Encourage insureds to speak with their agent or neighbors for mitigation vendor recommendations before a freeze occurs.
• Never use a torch or open flame to thaw pipes. Materials inside walls are flammable and can ignite before the pipe thaws.
• Safely thaw pipes using warm air only. A hair dryer, space heater (kept at a safe distance), or warm towels can be effective.
  • When using a hair dryer, hold it at least 6 inches from the pipe and move it back and forth, like spray painting the pipe, to prevent overheating.