01/10/2020
Preparing your home for freezing temperatures
Disconnect any garden hoses and, if possible, wrap or otherwise protect hose faucets to minimize freezing. If you live in a detached or single family home and are able to turn off the water to hose faucets, do so and leave the faucets in an open position to drain.
Make sure your heat is on and the temperature is set to 60 degrees or higher to minimize the chance of frozen pipes. Most insurance companies will not cover damage from frozen pipes if heat is not maintained inside your home and you may be personally responsible for damages as a result. This applies both to condominiums and detached homes.
Leave cabinet and closet doors open under sinks and along exterior walls of your home to allow heat to circulate.
If you do have a pipe break, shut off the water supply as soon as possible and remove as much of the water as you can. Plumbers and water damage companies will be overwhelmed with calls, so you will need to be as patient as possible while waiting for them to be able to get to you.
Preparing for snow and icy conditions outside
Make sure you have on hand what you may need to possibly be at home for several days in a row.
Fill your car with fuel and limit driving as much as possible.
All snow removal resources including state, county, city, HOA vendors, and individuals will be overwhelmed, so you will need to be as patient as possible. It may take several days for streets and parking areas to be cleared.
Be extremely careful when outside to avoid slipping and falling. Also know your limitations when it comes to physical activities such as shoveling heavy snow.
Stay safe everyone!
