Extreme Weather is Here! Prepare, Prevent, & React!
Winter is the season of joy, but also the season of extreme low temperatures and with that can come power loss and even frozen pipes. Power outages can last for several hours, or even days, and it can be very dangerous, especially when temperatures drop significantly below zero. In this blog, we'll outline some essential steps to take in the event of power loss during extremely low temperatures to keep you and your family safe.
Preparing for Power Outages:
Prepare an emergency kit: Having an emergency kit on hand can make a significant difference during power outages. Your kit should include items like a flashlight, batteries, a battery-operated radio, a portable charger, non-perishable food items that don’t require heat or refrigeration (think items like meal bars and dried fruit), bottled water, and a first-aid kit.
Protect your pipes: If your pipes freeze or burst, it can cause significant damage to your home. To prevent this, keep your faucets (both cold and hot) running at a slow drip, and open your cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around your pipes. You can also wrap pipes in insulation or heat tape to help prevent freezing.
Use alternative heat sources safely: If you're using an alternative heat source like a Kerosene heater, space heater, or propane heater, make sure to use it safely. Keep these devices away from flammable materials and never operate inside a closed space . NOTE: Always have a carbon monoxide detector in good working condition in your home, close to any area with an alternative heat source in operation
Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed: This is to preserve food for as long as possible.
Turn your appliances off: If you have any small appliances that were on when the power went out, unplug them. This will help prevent damage when power is restored, and it will also conserve energy.
Stay informed: Stay informed about the power situation by listening to the radio, or checking online for updates. This will help you prepare for when power is restored, and it will also give you an idea of when to expect it to come back on.
Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning! Ensure you have carbon monoxide detectors in good operating condition, positioned as recommended by local code throughout your home. Never use a gas stove or oven to heat your home.
Operate your Generator Safely (see below!)
Preventing frozen pipes:
Keep the temperature in your home above freezing,ideally above 50 degrees, especially if you'll be away for an extended period of time.
Insulate pipes in unheated areas, such as the garage or attic, to slow down heat transfer.
Seal air leaks near pipes to prevent cold air from entering your home and causing the pipes to freeze.
Let cold water trickle from faucets that may freeze. Moving water is less likely to freeze.
Keep the cabinet doors under the sink open to allow heat to circulate around pipes.
Disconnect garden hoses and drain them to prevent water from freezing inside the hose and causing the faucet or hose bib to freeze.
What to do if your pipes FREEZE :
Turn off the water supply (also known as your water main) to your home to prevent the pipes from bursting.
Open the faucets to allow any water that may be in the pipes to drain out.
Use a hair dryer, heat lamp, or portable heater to thaw the pipes. Start at the faucet and work your way towards the main water supply.
Never use an open flame to thaw pipes, as this poses a fire hazard.
Restart the water at a small volume, if water continues to flow, keep your faucets on warm at a tickle. If water does not flow, turn the water main back off and call a plumber.
What to do if your pipe(s) BURST:
Turn off the main water supply: This is the first and most important step to take when you notice that your pipes have burst. Find the main water valve and turn it off to prevent further damage.
Assess the extent of the damage: Once you have turned off the main water supply, assess the extent of the damage. Identify which pipes have burst and how extensive the damage is.
Call for professional help: If you are not trained or equipped to handle the situation, call a plumber, contractor, or a local emergency services number for assistance.
Contain the water: If there is a significant amount of water, use towels, mops or any other absorbent materials to contain the water and prevent it from spreading.
Dry the affected area: Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry the affected area. This will prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Repair the pipes: Once the affected area has dried, the pipes can be repaired. A licensed plumber should handle this.
Contact your insurance company: If the damage is significant, contact your insurance company to see if it is covered. Keep all receipts, photos, and documentation related to the repair work.
If you experience a burst pipe in extreme cold temperatures, it is important to act quickly to prevent further damage. Call for professional help, assess the damage, contain the water, dry the affected area, repair the pipes, and contact your insurance company.Note: It's best to take preventative measures before pipes freeze to avoid the risk of bursting pipes and costly repairs.
Safely Operating your Generator :
Read the generator manual before operating it to familiarize yourself with its proper usage and safety measures.
Make sure the generator is located outside in a well-ventilated area away from any flammable materials, with exhaust facing away from windows, and doors.
Ensure the generator is securely placed on a level surface to prevent tipping or sliding.
Fill the generator with the recommended fuel and oil.
Turn the generator on and let it run for a few minutes to warm up before connecting any electrical appliances.
Connect and turn on the appliances you need one by one, giving the generator time to adjust to the load.
Monitor the generator regularly, checking the fuel and oil levels and making sure it is functioning properly.
If the generator stops working or emits smoke or unusual odors, turn it off immediately and call a professional for repair.
When the power is restored, turn off the generator and unplug your appliances.
Regularly maintain the generator to ensure its proper functioning and to extend its lifespan.
