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