Quick Tips To Prepare Your Home For A Freeze

There is still time to prepare for this week’s impending freeze, and it is critical to do so. According to CBS News, the freeze of February 2021, which left many without power or water for several days, caused damages totaling more than $10 billion across the state. Below are some quick tips that are doable at the last minute to prepare your home for a freeze now to help save time, money, and headaches caused by potential damage to your home.

How to Prepare Your Pipes for a Freeze

1. Remove and drain any hoses attached to outdoor faucets.
2. Cover any outdoor faucets and exposed pipes.
3. Open cabinets where plumbing comes in (bathrooms, kitchen) to allow for circulation of warm air to reach them.
4. Turn off and drain your sprinkler system.
5. If you have a swimming pool, run your pump to keep water flowing through the pipes.

In addition to taking these steps before the freeze, ensure you know where your water main cut-off valve is; keep the cut-off key handy in case you need to turn off your water if a pipe does burst.

How Should I Prepare Outdoor Plants for a Hard Freeze

1. Protect plants from all but the hardest freeze (28°F for five hours) by covering them with sheets, towels, blankets, cardboard, or a tarp.
2. Move any potted plants out of harm’s way. Typically a garage or shed is suitable.

Additional Tips For Freezing Weather

1. Bring pets inside
2. If the power goes out and you are planning on using a generator, remember: generators are never to be used inside. They should be kept several feet away from your home.

What to Do When A Frozen Pipe Bursts

If you find yourself dealing with a burst pipe from the freeze, there are a few things you can do to minimize damages.

1. Shut off your water supply to stop the water from continuing to leak
2. Document everything. Make sure to take photos and videos of the damages to assist with the claims process.
3. Remove water to prevent mildew or mold buildup and additional damage.
4. Call your insurance company as soon as possible- they will help you understand what your policy covers and what your next steps should be.

Fully winterizing your home can be a multi-step process, but the above tips are great for homeowners facing impending freezing temperatures and needing to prepare quickly. However, sometimes damage occurs no matter how many precautions are taken, so making sure you have proper homeowners insurance coverage is crucial. If you are unsure of your coverage or looking for a new home insurance policy, get started with an instant home insurance quote from TGS Insurance Agency today!