GET READY FOR FRIGID WEATHER!!!

Houston Metropolitan area has an artic blast coming through. Please be prepared...I'm sharing the information from Texas Department of Insurance that I received from First American Title. Please take time to read through and be prepared. Beez

"Texas weather can change quickly, especially in winter. A fast-moving cold front can cause temps to drop below freezing within hours. Outdoor pipes, pipes in unheated areas and pripes that run along uninsulated exterior walls can burst if the water in them freezes and expands. This can shatter pipe seals or the pipes themselves, sending water pouring thorugh your home. You can avoid thousands of dollars of damage to your walls, ceilings, carpets and furniture by taking a few simple measures.

Before the freeze:
1. Protect faucets, outdoor pipes and exposed pipes in unheated areas by wrapping them with rags, newspaper, trash bags or plastic foam.
2. Insulate your outdoor water meter box and be sure its lid os on tight.
3. Cover any vents around your home's foundation.
4. Drain and store water hoses indoors.
5. Protect outdoor electrical pumps.
6. Drain swimming pool circulation systems or keep the pump motor running. (Run the pump motor only in a short freeze. Running the motor for long periods could damage it.)
7. Drain water sprinkler supply lines.
8. Open the cabinets under sinks in your kitchen and baths to allow heated indoor air to circulate around the water pipes.
9. Set your thermostate at a minimum temp of 55 degrees, especially when you're away for more than a day or so.
10. Let indoor faucets drip; it isn't necessary to run a stream of water.
11. Make sure you know where your home's shut-off valve is and hot to turn it on and off.
12. If you leave town, consider turning off your water at the shut-off valve while faucets are running to drain your pipes. Make sure you turn the faucets off before you turn the shut-off valve back on.
13. If you drain your pipes, contact your electric or gas utility company for insitructions on protecting your water heater.

If your Pipes Freeze:
1. If a pipe bursts and floods your home, turn the water off at the shut-off valve. Call a plumber for help if you can't find the broken pipe or it it's inaccessible. Don't turn the water back on until the pipe has been prepared.
2. If the pipe hasn't burst, that it out with an electric heating pad, hair dryer, portable space heater or towel soaked with hot water. Apply heat by slowly moving the heat source toward the coldest spot on the pipe. Never concentrate heat in one spot because cracking ice can shatter a pipe. Turn the faucet on and let it run until the pipe is thawed and water pressure returns to normal.
3. Don't use a blowtorch or other open-flame device. They are fire risks and carbon monoxide exposure risks.

If you have a Loss:
1. Contact your insurance agent or company promptly. Follow up as soon as possible with a written claim to protect your rights under Texas' promp-payment law.
2. Review your coverage. Most homeowners and renter policies pay for property repair. Most polities pay for debris removal and for additional living expenses if you have to move temporarily because of damage to your home. If you can't find your policy, ask your agent or company for a copy.
3. Homeowners policies may require you to make temporary repairs to protect your property from further damage. Your policy covers the cost of these repairs. Keep all receipts and damaged property for the adjuster to inspect. If possible, take photos or videos of the damage before making repairs. Don't make permanent repairs. An insurance company may deny a claim in you make permanent repairs before adjuster inspects the damage.
4. Most homeowner policies do not cover loss caused by freezing pipes while your home is unoccuped unless you used reasonable care to maintain heat in the building; shut off the water supply; and drain from plumbing, heating and A/C systems.

QUESTIONS?
Call TDI's Consumer Help Line toll-free: 1-800-252-3439 or visit the TDI website:
www.tdi.state.tx.us Assistance is available in English and Spanish."

STAY WARM...STAY SAFE!