It's here.

Three days of sub-zero temperatures followed by a slight warming trend. This is the classic recipe for burst pipes. Once a pipe has ruptured, there's little anyone can do except turn off the water and either make repairs, or call a plumber. A lot of the freezing pipes are caused by not taking simple precautions such as keeping the faucet running a little or opening cabinets under a sink to get warm air to the pipes. Frozen pipes are almost always in crawl spaces below homes or on exterior walls, areas that lose heat. Some residents have turned their heat down to 50 degrees at night to save money. Instead, it cost them because it wasn't high enough to prevent the pipes from freezing.

A lot has been written about prevention, but do you know what to do in the event of an emergency? Time is crucial when dealing with water damage. Within minutes, contaminants spread, stains take hold and many consumables are ruined. If not properly taken care of, the effects of water damage can be permanent and catastrophic.

Check your knowledge of what to do, and what not to do, in the event of a water loss.

 What To Do:

ELIMINATE THE SOURCE OF WATER!

• Turn off circuit breakers to wet areas to prevent risk of electrical shock.
• Remove and secure as many small furniture items as possible.
• Place aluminum foil under legs of wood furniture to protect carpet.
• Hang draperies to prevent water marks, browning and dye transfer.
• Remove paper goods, fabrics, potted plants or other items that will stain.
• Remove breakables and high-value items.
• Check under beds and in closets.

What Not To Do:

 DON'T OPERATE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENTWHILE STANDING ON A WET SURFACE!

• Don't place newspaper on wet surfaces. Newspaper ink transfers easily.
• Don't walk on wet surfaces any more than necessary.
• Don't activate your heating or air conditioning system.
• Don't leave wet fabrics in place.
• Don't attempt to dry on your own, more damage could be caused.