Burr! It's cold and it got cold fast. Just a few weeks ago at Christmas it was in the 70's and now it's in the teens. I have to say...the weather has been CrAzY, but with all this craziness comes the opportunity for a variety of insurance claims. As we enter into this extremely cold climate (for now any way) there are some things that we can do to stay safe and lower the chances of filing a claim. Here are some tips:
Prevent Frozen Pipes
-Pipes in attics and crawl spaces should be protected with insulation or heat.
-Heating cables and tapes are effective in freeze protection. Select a heating cable with the UL label and a built-in thermostat that turns the heat on when needed (without a thermostat, the cable has to be plugged in each time and might be forgotten). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely.
-Doors on cabinets under kitchen and bathroom sinks should be left open during cold spells to allow the warmer air of the room to circulate around the pipes.
-Exterior pipes should be drained or enclosed in 2-inch fiberglass insulation sleeves.
-Hoses should be removed and stored inside during the winter.Let faucets drip slowly to keep water flowing through pipes that are vulnerable to freezing. Ice might still form in the pipes, but an open faucet allows water to escape before the pressure builds to where a pipe can burst. If the dripping stops, it may mean that ice is blocking the pipe; keep the faucet open, since the pipe still needs pressure relief
Prevent Residential Fires
-Fireplaces/Space heaters: Make sure you have at least 36-inches of clearance between the heat source and combustible materials such as bedding, furniture, books, and curtains. Also, make sure heaters are turned off when unattended and fires are completely out before you close the damper.
- Fire protection equipment: Make sure that smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are in good, working order.
In case of fire, your basic homeowner’s, renter’s or condo insurance policy will cover resulting damage, both from the flames and water used to put out the fire. Check with your insurance agent to make sure you have the proper amount of coverage to repair or replace your structure and personal belongings.
If you have any questions you can reach us at (803)329-8283 and we'll be happy to assist you in any way we can. Stay warm!