Are You Ready for Inclement Weather?

This article has been updated since it was previously published in January 2025.

Winter brings the possibility of cold weather and storms. This year, it officially starts on December 21. At ABI Insurance, we want you and your community to be prepared. Whether you are a unit owner, board member, or property manager, we hope these ideas help you and your community stay safe and prevent a costly insurance claim.

1. Keep your home and community room warm. Maintain an interior temperature of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit, even when you’re sleeping, not at home, or when no one is using common facilities. This includes all association buildings, such as community and storage rooms. A temperature of at least 55 degrees helps prevent pipes from freezing. Seal any drafts and leave interior doors open to keep the temperature even from room to room. Stock extra batteries in your emergency kit in case the thermostat batteries run low.

Heating your home with a fireplace can increase the risk of fire. If the power is out, make sure you avoid using candles and don’t let fires burn unattended. If you use a portable generator, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and never use a generator indoors.

2. Protect outdoor faucets. Drain, remove, and store outdoor hoses before extreme cold weather arrives. If possible, close the inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs, and open the outside hose bibs for draining. Keep them open so any remaining water can expand without breaking the pipe. If you can’t shut off the water from the inside, cover faucets with foam faucet covers.

3. Protect pipes. During severe cold spells, leave all faucets, both hot and cold, running at a slight trickle. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warmer air to circulate. This also includes faucets in community rooms and common area restrooms.

4. Watch for frozen pipes. If the pipes freeze in your unit or in a community facility, contact the property manager and/or the appropriate board member immediately. Frozen water in pipes can cause them to burst, meaning you’ll have a mess on your hands once that water thaws. Act quickly to shut off your main water supply. The property manager or board member should be able to provide the name of a qualified licensed professional who can assess the situation.
5. Close exterior doors. Keep exterior doors closed, including garage doors. This helps keep cold air out of your home and protects plumbing fixtures and pipes.

6. Prepare emergency supplies. Check your emergency supplies and ensure you have adequate food and water, prescription medications, a flashlight with extra batteries, and a battery-powered radio. You’ll want two weeks’ worth of supplies or more. Remember to stock extra pet food, water, and medications for your furry friend as well.

Consider purchasing a portable charger for your cell phone. Make sure both your cell phone and the portable charger are fully charged in case of a power outage.

7. Stay safe. Never use generators or barbecue grills indoors. These appliances can allow deadly carbon monoxide to build up. Check the batteries in your carbon monoxide detector to ensure the detector is working properly.

Some content provided by Safeco Insurance.