The clock starts ticking when you hear news of freezing temperatures heading your way. Is your church property ready to endure extreme cold conditions? Knowing how to prepare for a winter storm can help minimize time-consuming damage and expenses.
The good news is that many precautions can be taken before a storm approaches your area. Follow a 6-point property checklist to help your property stand strong against the elements.
Pipes that freeze and burst can quickly flood your ministry, causing thousands of dollars in damage — plus a significant amount of repair time. Take steps to minimize the risk of water damage.
Pipes: Wrap pipes in insulation or towels to help prevent pipes from freezing while away. Run a low drip — for both hot and cold pipes — especially for faucets and pipes along exterior walls. Leave doors of cabinets open where pipes are located.
Outdoor plumbing fixtures: Cover spigots and shut off the water to outdoor faucets.
Sprinkler systems and water hoses: Drain the water.
Water shut-off valve: Locate and inspect to make sure it functions properly. Be prepared to turn off the water if a line freezes or bursts.
Leak detection: Install a leak detection device such as FloLogic®, which monitors for leaks and temperatures 24/7 and automatically shuts off the water supply as needed.
Your heating system can be pushed to the limits in extreme weather. Preventive maintenance is critical to ensuring maximum efficiency in frigid temperatures.
Heating unit: Have an inspection performed on your unit before each winter season.
Filters: Regularly replace air filters.
When planning how to prepare for a winter storm, repair drafts and cracks to keep the cold air out — and the warm air in.
Doors: Use weatherstripping or a door sweep to shield your property from unnecessary heat loss.
Windows: Use caulk to fill small cracks or holes.
Trimming trees in winter can help prevent damage if branches snap under the weight of ice.
Overgrown trees: Trim branches that could land on rooftops or other parts of your property.
Ice and snow can make walkways hazardous, whether outside on a slippery sidewalk or in a wet indoor hallway caused by wet shoes.
Building entrances and interior walkways: Use slip-free rugs and immediately clean wet floors.
Stairs and steps: Ensure that stairs and steps have well-secured handrails and mark the edges of steps so they can be easily seen.
Sidewalks: Repair uneven sidewalks that could pose a tripping hazard, especially if concealed under snow.
Make your parking lot safe with regular maintenance and good visibility.
Potholes: Fill potholes, which could easily be hidden under a layer of snow and cause a tripping hazard.
Lighting: Improve visibility and safety with sufficient lighting.
Before temperatures plummet, gain peace of mind by completing your winter storm preparation checklist and protecting your ministry with property and casualty insurance. At GuideStone®, we stand by you with financial services and insurance solutions for every season of ministry™. For more information, contact us at InsuranceSolutions@GuideStone.org or (214) 720-2868, Monday through Thursday, from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT and Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be construed as legal advice. Readers should use this article as a tool, along with best judgment and any terms or conditions that apply, to determine appropriate policies and procedures for your church’s risk management program.
GuideStone Property and Casualty® has no affiliation with and receives no compensation from FloLogic. GuideStone assumes no liability of any kind for any FloLogic products, including the FloLogic Intelligent Leak Control Monitors and makes no warranties or representations of any kind about the fitness or suitability of any FloLogic products.
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