Temperatures are dropping this weekend. Prep Tips from a Pro.

Temperatures in Connecticut, not unlike the market, have been pretty volatile this winter...So make sure to sign up and download the Don't Panic Ebook to help you feel more at ease. Unfortunately, it won't help you deal with the sharp drop in temperatures we're expecting in Connecticut this weekend (-2°overnight on Friday, with the highest point being all of 23° on Saturday. Can you say "Brrrrrr"?), so, I spoke with my friend and Relationship Manager at a local Servpro of Middletown / New Britain, Marie Leavitt, to share some valuable advice on how to protect your home during the winter months, but especially this weekend.

Here's what you can do:

1. Keep your doors open in any room that has waterlines to make sure they are staying warm enough not to freeze and burst. Don't forget rooms with waterlines for heat. Think about storage rooms in the basement. Keeping warm air circulating helps reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
2. Outside faucets for your hose tend to freeze quickly. Drain the water if possible. It's always a good idea to purchase an Outdoor Faucet Cover. This helps insulate and protect the pipe from freezing.
3. Ensure your home is properly insulated to keep warm air inside and the cold air outside. Make sure windows and doors are sealed tightly, and there are no leaks in the walls or roof. Think about using plastic insulation on your windows, it can work wonders. 
4. Prevent damage to exposed pipes by insulating them, especially those located in areas exposed to the cold, such as the attic, crawlspace, or garage.
5. Consider turning off the main water supply if you'll be away from home for an extended period.
6. Clear your gutters of any debris to prevent clogs and water backup that can freeze and cause ice dams on your roof. 

If a water pipe does burst in your home, it's important to take the following steps to minimize the damage:

1. Turn off the main water supply: The first step in dealing with a burst pipe is to turn off the main water supply to your home to prevent further water damage.
2. Locate the source of the leak: Try to locate where the leak is coming from to determine the severity of the damage.
3. Remove standing water: Use towels, mops, or a wet/dry vacuum to remove any standing water. This will help prevent mold growth and further damage to your flooring, furniture, and belongings.
4. Dry everything thoroughly: Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows to dry everything completely. This will help prevent mold growth and musty odors.
5. Call a professional: If the damage is extensive, it's best to call a professional water damage restoration company like Servpro. They will have the equipment and expertise to quickly and effectively remove water, dry out the affected areas, and prevent further damage.
6. Contact your insurance company: If you have insurance coverage, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage. They will help you navigate the claims process and get the help you need.

It's important to act quickly and follow these steps to minimize the damage and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.

Servpro is a leading provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services. They offer a wide range of services to help homeowners and businesses recover from disasters such as fires, floods, storms, and other events that can cause damage to their property, and work on your behalf to deal with the insurance companies in case you are unlucky enough to follow these steps and STILL have a water pipe burst this weekend. 

Feel free to reach out to Marie Leavitt at 860.262.4465 with additional questions. 

Marie Leavitt

Relationship Manager
SERVPRO of Middletown/New Britain

Stay warm out there!

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