IBHS News Releases

Tampa - Problems from ice and snow, like frozen plumbing, can easily produce several thousand dollars in property losses, and if no one's home when it happens, those losses just keep adding up.  The Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) says taking the following steps can help reduce the chance of damage from winter weather.  

• Make sure gutters and drains in basement stairwells are clear of leaves and window wells are working properly.
• Check the weather stripping around skylights and other roof openings.
• Seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near water pipes with caulking.
• Remove garden hoses from outside spigots.  Drain outdoor faucets when freezing temperatures are forecast.
• Adequately insulate attics, basements and crawl spaces.
• Maintain heat levels, keeping the attic no more than 10 degrees warmer than the outside air and inside the home no lower than 65 degrees.
• If temperatures are below freezing and water pressure is low, let water drip through faucets to reduce pressure in pipes, and open cabinets to let heated air flow beneath sinks.

It is critical that everyone in the home learn how to shut off the main water supply - because if a pipe bursts, shutting off the water quickly will help minimize the damage.  Also consider having a plumber install an emergency pressure release valve for your pipes.

IBHS is a national nonprofit initiative of the insurance industry to reduce deaths, injuries, property damage, economic losses and human suffering caused by natural disasters.