IBHS News Releases

Tampa – Fall is the perfect time to start protecting homes against damage that can be caused by freezing temperatures and winter weather.  Ice dams and bursting pipes are the biggest threats and can be costly problems for homeowners. 

Trying to stay warm on a budget may also be a problem, yet turning to alternative sources could be a safety issue. 

The Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) recommends taking some of the following steps now, and being ready to act on the others when the forecast calls for bitter cold.

Outside the Home
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.

Inside the Home
To prevent ice dams, make sure the attic is well insulated and no more than 10 degrees warmer than the outside air.  Heat escaping through the roof will melt snow, which could refreeze at the roof’s edge and force water under the roof covering, damaging the attic and walls of a home.

Maintain minimum heat levels inside the home.  Temperatures lower than 65 degrees could cause pipes inside walls (where it’s colder) to freeze. Insulating pipes, crawl spaces and basements will help.

If temperatures are below freezing, let water drip through faucets to reduce pressure in pipes, and open cabinets to let heated air flow beneath sinks.

Make sure everyone in the home knows how to shut off the main water supply.  If a pipe bursts, turning off the water quickly will help minimize damage. 

Safe Heating
If using a heating appliance, leave at least three-feet of open space around it.

Be sure to turn off portable or space heaters before going to bed or leaving the home.

Do not use heaters that burn fuel such as kerosene inside the home. These types of appliances in closed places could start a fire and can also generate life-threatening carbon monoxide.

Install and maintain a carbon monoxide detector to alert you to any high concentrations of this deadly gas.

Always store combustible materials away from furnaces, fireplaces and portable heaters.
 
If using a wood-burning stove, it should meet current safety standards and be properly installed on a non-combustible base that can withstand intense heat.  The entire unit including stovepipe must be at least 36 inches from a wall or furniture.

Chimneys on wood stoves and fireplaces should be inspected yearly by a professional and cleaned as often as inspection suggests. Be sure to remove the ashes using a metal container — never use a cardboard box or plastic pail.

Test your smoke alarms once a month, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Replace the batteries in your smoke alarm once a year, or as soon as the alarm "chirps," warning that the battery is low. Hint: schedule battery replacements for the same day you change your clocks from daylight saving time to standard time in the fall.

For more information on fire safety, visit the National Fire Protection Association at www.nfpa.org.

The Institute for Business & Home Safety works to reduce the social and economic effects of natural disasters and other property losses by conducting research and advocating improved construction, maintenance and preparation practices.