Sustained temperatures below freezing are expected in parts of the Midwest and Southeast later this week and into the weekend. This significantly increases the risk of frozen and burst pipes, especially if your home is unoccupied over the holiday weekend.
Here are a few reminders on how you can prepare your home if you have travel plans this weekend:
- Set your home’s thermostat to at least 65 degrees and open vanity and cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to reach enclosed pipes.
- If you have a generator, make sure it is fueled up and working properly so that important home systems can continue running even if your area loses power.
- Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to check on your home while you are away so that they can report any issues or possible damage.
If you will be home over the holiday weekend, monitor your home’s temperature to ensure it is at least 65 degrees or higher. Should the temperature drop significantly or if you notice reduced water flow, turn at least one faucet on to a trickle to reduce the likelihood of burst pipes. Do not leave water running if you leave your home.
