Even in South Carolina, winter weather can bring a plethora of potential risks such as frozen pipes; falling trees and limbs due to ice; roof and siding damage due to snow, sleet, hail and winds; fire damage from fireplaces and space heaters; and injuries due to falls or slips.
As temperatures drop and winter weather is in our forecast for later this week, now is a good time to take action so you can stay safe and avoid potential claims. To help you get ready, we are sharing some good ideas to prepare your home and your business.
TIPS TO PREVENT BURST PIPES DUE TO WATER FREEZING
AT HOME
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Set your thermostats to at least 60°F at all times.
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Open cabinet doors where piping is present, such as in the bathroom and kitchen.
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Keep your attic door/hatch open if water filled pipes are present in the attic.
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Let water drip from all faucets during extreme cold.
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Ensure all water filled pipes are well insulated to reduce the risk of freezing.
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Remove your garden hoses from the spigot and install an outdoor protector.
AT YOUR BUSINESS
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Keep your heat set to at least 60°F in areas where pipes with water are present.
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Monitor building power and have a plan to maintain temperatures in case of power failure.
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Have a trained professional regularly inspect, maintain, and test plumbing and fire sprinkler systems, and consider installing water detection sensors for added protection.
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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.
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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.
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Check your building’s heat and water periodically if your business is closed or unoccupied, especially during weekends and extended holidays.
If pipes in your home or business freeze, don’t panic. Turn off the water supply and follow these guidelines to thaw frozen pipes. Call a professional for help if you cannot find or reach the frozen areas.
Here are some additional recommendations:
PREPARE YOUR HOME
Make sure your home is winter-ready. Have your heating system inspected and serviced to ensure it is good working order. If you are using a space heater, make sure it has an auto shut-off in case it tips over. To prevent your pipes from freezing, repair and seal cracks around windows and doors, fill spaces around pipes to prevent cold airflow, keep the thermostat above 55 degrees, open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes, and know the location of the main water shut-off valve for your home
MAKE AN EMERGENCY KIT
Make a home emergency kit or make sure your existing kit is up to date. Include everything that everyone in your family would need to stay safe for at least 72 hours (including any pets).
Assemble a kit for each car in case you become stranded in a winter storm. Consider lightweight, smaller versions of supplies that you can take with you if you must evacuate.
One of our clients keeps a “Go Bag” by her door in case her family needs to evacuate. ( A Go Bag could include water, non-perishable food, first aid kit, flashlight, candles and matches, phone charger, battery powered radio, important documents, change of clothing, necessary medications, person hygiene items, some cash, blankets, and anything else of importance.)
Not sure what should be in your emergency kit? Click here for some ideas and a printable shopping list.
PREPARE FOR EXTREME COLD
If you are outdoors in winter weather, remember that extreme cold can be very dangerous. Dress in layers, cover your skin and limit the amount of time you spend outside.
PREPARE YOUR AUTOMOBILES
If you plan to travel this winter, stay off icy roads when winter storm advisories or watches are issued and, while driving, slow your speed and acceleration. Make sure you have a full tank of gas before the storm so you are prepared, and keep your gas tank nearly full to help prevent ice from forming in the tank and fuel lines. Make sure your windshield wipers and defrosters are working well. Check your tire pressure and tire treads. Worn out treads will affect how quickly you can come to a stop on wet roads.
Here are some suggestions of what to keep in your car during the winter:
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Ice Scraper
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Jumper cables
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Basic toolkit
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Blankets
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Warning device
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First Aid Kit
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Gloves and a Jacket
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Car charger for your cell phone.
ANTICIPATE POWER OUTAGES
Prepare for power outages. Winter storms and extremely cold temperatures can down lines and disrupt services. For tips about how to prepare now to manage a power loss, visit https://www.ready.gov/power-outages.
REVIEW SAFETY TIPS
Learn what actions are important before, during and after winter storms and in extreme cold. Specific steps can help ensure that you and your family are able to ride out the storm safely. For more information, visit https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather.
FIND MORE INFORMATION