Now’s the time to plan ahead for winter weather that may include ice storms, wind and arctic freeze conditions that could lead to power failures.
If a power failure lasts more than four to five hours, your home or business building may no longer be heated above freezing. When the temperature in a building drops below freezing, the fire sprinkler pipes and other water pipes are subject to freezing and cracking. The result will be water damage to the interior of your home or business once the temperatures rise and the pipes thaw. Damage from water can be extensive – and expensive.
If the heating system will be off for several hours due to a power failure and the temperature in the building falls below 32 degrees F., follow these protection tips:
- Shut off and completely drain all fire sprinkler systems, including those installed inside of drop ceilings. For areas where it is impractical to drain all the sprinkler pipes, be ready for water damage when the heat returns. Have buckets, tarps, mops, etc. ready to help minimize water damage.
- Notify the local fire department that you have shut off your fire sprinkler system.
- If there is a diesel fire pump on site, it may automatically start when the power fails. If so, shut it off and put it on manual start to conserve fuel.
- If there is an electric fire pump connected via an automatic transfer switch to an emergency generator, disable the transfer switch and the pump controller.
- Shut down all hazardous operations, such as welding, cutting with a torch, painting, flammable or combustible liquids-use, etc., while the sprinklers are off.
- If portable heating systems, including emergency generators are used, make sure they are UL-listed or FM-approved and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure they are placed on stable surfaces and far enough away from any combustible materials. Remember to consider the health and safety implications of carbon monoxide build-up in enclosed areas from portable heating systems.
- Make sure all roof drains, gutters and scuppers are clear prior to the storm and clear snow from the roof.
- Stock that can be damaged by water should be stored off the floor on pallets or in racks to minimize damage in the event of pipe breaks or water infiltration.
Once the power returns:
- Inspect all the water pipes and heating system pipes before restoring them to service.
- Never use open flames, lamps or other high temperature devices to thaw frozen pipes. Experts recommend using hair dryers.
- Restore all sprinkler, water and heating system piping to service.
- Notify the fire department and the alarm company that the systems are back in service.
- Watch for post-storm snow drifting on roofs and remove the extra weight of snow.
- Clear fire lanes, fire hydrants, fire sprinkler valves, gas shutoffs, etc. of snow accumulations.
