Remove any hoses attached to outdoor spigots and ensure insulators are properly installed on ALL spigots. If you have one of those plastic bell insulators and it doesn’t fit snuggly against the wall, try the flexible sock/envelope insulators. Take any measures to help prevent hose or pipe freezing/bursting per your lease. In the event that the insulator gets damaged then run the spigot at a slow trickle during the course of the freeze.
To further help prevent pipe freeze, open under-sink cabinet doors on sinks that are on the opposite side of exterior walls. This will help warm air circulate around some of the plumbing.
Let me know if your water stops working. This could mean that the line is freezing. If that is the case, please turn off your home/unit’s water at the owners shut off (aka “S/O” on the in-ground box lid). It’s a valve almost like the outdoor water spigot/valve but under a lid between the water meter and the house/unit. It might help prevent pipe break when it thaws. Call me if you need any guidance.
In the event of any freezing rain it could weigh down tree branches. If that occurs, please check pets, vehicles, or other items under sagging branches that can be moved to avoid possible damage if the branches break. Also refrain from walking under.
For any of you who have/use gas fireplaces, they can be a deadly carbon monoxide hazard if left on all night. The same is true for gas ovens/cooktops as they should not be used to heat the home.Prepare your emergency supply kits (home and auto).Monitor your thermostats in all interior areas.If you have a pool ensure the filter pump runs continuously through the freeze event. In the event that the water and lines begin to actually freeze (such as in an extended freeze event) then turn pump off. Consult with me, owners or your pool service provider for guidance in the event this occurs.Verify smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning.Make sure your vehicle is full of gas.Keep gutters professionally free of debris, ice, and snow which can pull down your gutters and cause roof damage.If you use a space heater, be sure to use extreme caution and do not leave them unattended.If you can safely do this, make plans to be home after extended freeze events when temperatures start to rise above freezing. If you have frozen pipes, they will begin to thaw when temperatures rise above freezing, or if your power is restored and your home begins heating again. If that happens, any cracked pipes will begin to flood your home. Be observant of any water stains or leaks. Locate your water shut-off valve, which is usually under a lid near the street. Have the proper tools (large flathead screwdriver to pry/open the plastic or (heavy) metal lid, channel locks or water valve shut-off tool that you may already have onsite) ready for closing the main water shutoff valve (usually 180 degrees clockwise) if you start to flood. Minutes saved could save thousands of dollars in damage.
