01/13/2024
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR HEAT ON!
A polar vortex carrying dangerous cold is on its way! It is forecasted to bring cold temperatures to our area. Some areas are predicted to have their lowest temperature level in more than 20 years.
The combination of cold temperature and wind chill along the east coast increases the threat of burst water pipes in condominiums, homes and businesses. By taking a few simple precautions, you can help save yourself and others from the damage and aggravation that frozen pipes cause.
Take precautions now and maintain a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Insurance is recommending to owners and property managers to check the heating in all units. Turn the thermostat to 60 or 65 degrees this week to counter the effects of the extreme cold and windy conditions that will occur.
Here are a few more simple tips to help you safeguard your properties:
If the building or unit is vacant or closed for the season, make sure to turn the heat up AND check the entire building, several times a day – not only during the freeze event but several days thereafter. Prompt discovery of burst pipes will reduce the severity of a claim.
· Make sure the property manager and owners know the location of the main water turn off valve to the building.
· Turn off water supply on all outside faucets. If possible, open the valves allowing the air and water to escape and avoid expanding within the pipes.
· Wrap pipes nearest exterior walls and in crawl spaces with pipe insulation or with heating tape, where applicable. This can prevent freezing, especially for interior pipes that run along outside walls.
· Heat the basement and consider weather sealing windows.
· Vacant or closed buildings or units that are fully winterized still need to be checked by the owners and/or property manager.
Every winter season, the pipes are at risk of damage from freezing conditions. This disaster is largely preventable.
