01/11/2024
From our plumbing partners:
We are monitoring the potential for a winter storm on Monday. While it is just under a week away, we are advising to take precautions now in order to be safe. Winter storms can be very destructive because of the frigid temperature that they bring. Here are some precautions to take in order to reduce the threat of a plumbing disaster at your home or business during inclement winter weather*
Remove all water hoses from outside faucets.
Make sure that all outside faucets and exposed pipes are wrapped/covered. Home supply stores sell specially designed covers for outside faucets.
Any home that is elevated, especially if it is not skirted, make sure that wind can not go under your home to any exposed pipes/faucets. It is very important to block any wind, but especially the north wind from getting beneath your home.
Leave hot and cold water running from inside faucets. Hot water freezes faster than cold, so do not run just hot water.
Do not attempt to remove ice from pipes and faucets with water as this can cause cracks; allow the ice to melt naturally. Do not try to use heat sources such as torches as this could cause your home to catch on fire. Hair dryers are dangerous around water; do not attempt to thaw ice with anything that uses electricity (added-due to not being geound faulted to eliminate risk of shock).
Know the location of all cut-off valves for your home or business's water supplies in case a pipe does burst.
Remember that any exposed wires such as telephone and electrical can be compromised and cause outages. Stay away from lines that are down; simply call and report down lines.
Make sure cell phones and other electronics are charged.
Make sure all your medicine has more than one or two day supply.
Winterize your vehicle
Take precautions for any outside animals especially dogs and cats (food, shelter). Contact your veterinarian about necessary precautions.
Emergency supplies in your home: Food (non perishable and ready to consume), Batteries, Flashlights, Candles, Matches, Potable Water, Paper Products, Warm clothing and a well stocked first aid kit.
Have non-electricity based games, especially for children (coloring books, board games, etc…).
If you have a fireplace, make sure you have enough wood, starter logs and matches.
Remember that places around your home such as steps and sidewalks ice up and sometimes the ice can not be seen (i.e. Black ice). Ice accumulates in other places than around your home such as roadways.
Please use caution when driving in inclement weather and if at all possible stay where you are if the weather turns bad. Make sure to have emergency supplies in the trunk of your car as well (Blankets, Non Perishable and ready to consume Food, First Aid Kit, Potable Water, Flashlights, Flares, etc…).
*These are suggested precautions as this does not guarantee the safety of your property, person, family or pets. We do not guarantee that you will not have a plumbing or any other disaster, these are just steps to reduce the threat- it does not eliminate the possibility.
(Added)-be careful with gas powered generators-they produced carbon monoxide and should not be run indoors (garage). Please call if these situations arrive and we will help those in need as we can. Remember that there are people to help in times of need! Be safe!
