What To Do During a Cold Spell
To protect your business from the effects of cold weather, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Monitor temperatures every few hours in vulnerable areas. Add low temperature alarms that are connect to a constantly monitored location.
- Very that water-filled sprinkler piping is maintained at a minimum temperature of 40 degrees.
- Inspect valve enclosures for pre-action and deluge valves on a daily basis to verify a minimum temperature.
- Provide approved portable heaters for vulnerable areas that might fall below 40 degrees.
- Use tarps to erect temporary wind breaks. For a permanent wind break, consider planting evergreen trees and hedges upwind (prevailing winter wind direction) of vulnerable buildings and equipment.
- For pipes that are vulnerable to freezing, open water faucets slightly to let them drip to keep water flowing.
- If pipes freeze, turn off the water supply and thaw or repair damaged piping.
- Do not use open flame devices to thaw frozen pipes or equipment.
- Verify that all fire protection equipment is in service.
- Constantly monitor any boilers or other heating systems that must remain online.
- Keep names and phone numbers of your heating contractor, plumber, and fire department easily accessible.
Source: Liberty Mutual