Florida Freezes-How to Prepare

We don’t do “cold” very well in Florida. It’s an unfamiliar occurrence, for which we are grateful. However, cold temps are predicted for many parts of the state in the coming days, and you’ll want to heat up your knowledge on surviving the chill.

It takes prolonged cool weather to freeze pipes, and it usually doesn’t happen until the temperature drops well below freezing, like around 20 degrees. Yet, a most important tip: Keep indoor temperatures to at least 65 degrees. Going below that is not healthy for the pipes inside your walls.

Southern homes are often not constructed with freezing weather in mind. That means water pipes may be vulnerable, especially if the pipes are in unheated areas such as an attic. If you’ve got pipes in the attic, get them insulated with foam sleeves. It’s an inexpensive, preventive measure. There are many other tip on preventing damage from freezing from the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety.

Another helpful hint: If it’s getting very cold wherever you live, disconnect the garden hose and insulate exterior faucets and pipes around the pool. The big chill will be over before you know it!

Thanks to insuringflorida.org.

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