Preventing frozen pipes:
Temporary measures
- During extended periods of subfreezing temperatures, increase thermostat settings to a minimum of 60°F throughout the home to help ensure adequate temperatures are maintained in the coldest spots.
- Open bathroom or kitchen cabinet doors that run along outside walls so that warmer room air can circulate through them. If you have pets or small children, be mindful of chemicals stored in these cabinets.
- To prevent exterior faucets from freezing, shut them off from inside the home and drain remaining water from the pipes. Exterior irrigation systems should be winterized to prevent freezing.
- Still water freezes faster than running water. During periods of low usage and on frigid nights, turn on a faucet at the highest point in the home. Keep the water stream low, so that only a small amount can trickle through pipes running through cold spaces.
- If you’ll be away from home for an extended period during cold weather months, arrange for someone to check in at least once a day. Make sure he/she knows the location of the main water shutoff valve.
- If the water meter is operating but your water is not running, you may have a frozen pipe. Once the pipe thaws, there is a chance it could burst. If you discover a frozen pipe, call a plumber immediately.
- If you’re away from home for extended periods of time, turn off the water. This may not prevent frozen pipes, but it can significantly reduce the damage.
Permanent measures
- Install an automatic shutoff system designed to stop leaking water when accumulation is detected.
- Contact your independent insurance advisor for additional information and a list of approved devices.
- Add several low temperature sensors to your central station alarm system. Place them in remote areas of your home.
If damage occurs
- In the event of water damage, take the following steps to minimize the impact:
- Call an emergency service restoration company as soon as possible to facilitate repairs and start the dryout process.
- Move undamaged items away from the affected area.
Holiday office parties are a popular way to celebrate the season and show your appreciation to your staff. There are many ways to celebrate and if you chose to host a holiday party, it’s important to know your liabilities if you want to include alcohol in your celebration.
While most homeowners track the market value of their homes, they rarely know what it would cost to rebuild with the same materials, craftsmanship and improvements added over the life of the home.
As adults, we are always willing to lend a hand and graciously share with our friends, family and neighbors. We begin stressing the importance of sharing with our children when they are mere toddlers. While sharing is generally a nice gesture, lending your car to someone else can lead to tremendous repercussions if the car is in an accident.
Life Preservers Aren’t Just for Kids. It’s not enough to just have life jackets on board — wear them! In an accident, people rarely have time to reach for a life jacket. This rule applies to adults, not just children: More people in their 30s die in boating accidents than any other age group. Life vests have come a long way in style. Today, you can even get vests for your water-loving dog!
At Hood Hargett we have been serving individuals and businesses insurance needs for over 30 years in Charlotte. Below are importantant tips for every home and building owner.
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