Private Risk Advisor

Another severe cold spell is expected in our area this week, with temperatures expected to dip into the single digits in some areas, along with heavy snowfall.  We receive a lot of good suggestions on preventing home losses from the claims and restoration specialists we work with. The following suggestions were provided to us by Maxons Restorations.  Consider forwarding these often overlooked ideas to those you know, especially those with second homes in our are most vulnerable to cold weather related losses,

• Look for cold spots in your property near outside walls, roofs or windows. If there are pipes nearby, seek out ways to insulate them. If the pipes get cold enough, the water inside will freeze. When water freezes, it expands, building up pressure and bursting pipes.

• Think about leaving cabinet or closet doors open during extreme cold, it will help to circulate heat around pipes.

• Leaving faucets running at a slow trickle will allow water to flow through your system, preventing freezing.

• Inspect pipes that run to water spigots outside. If you still have a hose connected to it, disconnect it immediately. The water freezing in that hose will send cold and pressure back into the pipes inside.

• Make sure you know where the water shut-off valves are in case of a pipe break or leak.

• Avoid turning the thermostat down. It’s normally a great way to save energy when you’re not at home, but it’s probably not worth the risk when it’s this cold out. Set the temperature close to 65 degrees at all times and definitely no lower than 55, experts say.

While most of us know to take steps to avoid frozen pipes and water damage during cold temperatures, we often overlook the increased risk of FIRE when the temperatures drop.

• Make sure you’re prepared for an alternative heating arrangement in the event of a service interruption, especially if you have electric heat.
• When using equipment such as space heaters, check to make sure they have been approved for use indoors and are turned on at a safe level and away from furniture, carpet or anything else flammable.
• Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without making the necessary safety precautions.
• Be careful to not overload power points and power boards.
• Regularly clean fireplaces.

To access a helpful 1 page guide from Maxons Restorations on preventing pipe breaks, check this link: http://origin.library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1104123010409-778/Maxons+Pipe+Break+Tips.pdf