|
|
Are Your Buildings Ready for Freezing Temperatures?
|
As schools are preparing to close for the winter break, the Risk Co-Op wants to remind districts that weatherproofing your buildings against major freezes is vital. Freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst, leading to sudden flooding and extensive damage. These damages can cost thousands of dollars to repair, and the majority of claims tend to occur near the end of December, due to frozen pipes.
Preparing your buildings for freezing conditions can help prevent pipe bursts. The following items are actions you can take to protect your buildings:
|
- Identify a cold weather response plan.
- Designate a "Weather Watcher" to implement the district's cold weather response plan.
- Prepare heating systems to maintain building temps above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Adjust all automatic timers for winter operation.
- Shut off exterior water supply lines and if applicable, drain in-ground sprinkler systems.
- Insulate water pipes to prevent freezing. Drain water lines if they cannot be protected. Give special attention to areas that are likely to freeze first, such as entryways, remote stairs, towers, and concealed spaces.
- Make provisions for monitoring unattended and vacant facilities.
- Monitor and record building temperatures throughout winter break to prevent freezing in hard-to-heat areas. Place ordinary thermometers in hard-to-heat areas where damage is likely (ie. where water and sprinkler pipes are located).
- Check damper vents on fan coil units to ensure they are working correctly.
- Open hatches to prevent freezing in the attic.
- Open vents to get warm air to overheads.
- During a cold spell, open concealed spaces, such as crawl spaces, to allow for heat passage.
- Have safe, emergency heating equipment available in the event that areas prone to freezing need to be warmed quickly. Train personnel on when and how to set up emergency heating equipment.
- Inspect all roofs, drains, gutters, and downspouts; clear and repair them as needed.
- Per the manufacturer's recommendations, winterize your heating systems, sprinkler systems, air conditioning equipment, pressure vessel vents, relief valves, and other mechanical equipment to prevent freezing damage.
- Maintain adequate emergency fuel supplies where needed.
FOR WET-PIPE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
|
- If heat is lost, check all water-based extinguishers for possible freeze damage.
- Check for broken pipe fittings, cracked piping, and any distorted/leaking sprinklers.
FOR DRY-PIPE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
|
- Regularly check air pressure and temps in the dry-pipe enclosure.
- Use moisture traps and desiccants in the air supply piping if the system has a history of heavy condensation buildup.
|
|
|
|
|
|
