Although the Triangle is fortunate to have mild winter weather, it’s essential to stay prepared for the possibility of extreme conditions. Just like with homeownership, commercial building owners and tenants should take proactive measures to ensure both safety and property protection during the colder months.
Pre-Winter Preparations
Before winter weather intensifies, consider the following tips to keep your building and its occupants safe:
• Take a look at the upcoming weather: Weather in Raleigh-Durham is unpredictable, so make sure to keep an eye out for a big drop in temperature.
–WRAL Weather
• Protect your Pipes: Check your building for outdoor lines, pipes that run against exterior walls, or pipes in uninsulated areas like a garage. See the article below on how to prep them for low temperatures.
–Prepping Pipes (American Red Cross)
• Service HAVC: Have your HVAC serviced to ensure that it functions properly when temperatures drop.
–Best HVAC Service Options in Raleigh Durham
• Stock Up on Supplies: Keep non-slip mats, caution signs, salt, and sand readily available for slippery walkways and parking areas.
• Communicate with Your Property Manager: Tenants should have contact information for their property manager and understand the landlord’s snow preparation and cleanup processes to stay informed about building access during and after a storm.
Handling Water Damage from Burst Pipes
In the unfortunate event of a pipe burst due to freezing temperatures, follow these steps to address water damage in a commercial building:
1. Assess Safety First: Before addressing the damage, ensure the area is safe to enter. Avoid electrical equipment that may have been exposed to water.
2. Identify and Stop the Leak If Able: Locate the source of the leak and, if necessary or able, shut off the water supply.
3. Notify Your Landlord: Contact your landlord or property manager immediately to report the issue.
4. Contact Your Insurance Agent: Notify your insurance representative or risk manager to understand your coverage and determine the next steps.
5. Protect Belongings: Raise items off the floor or move them out of the affected area to minimize damage.
Additional Winter Weather Tips for 2025
• Upgrade Insulation and Sealing: Ensure your building is well-insulated and all doors, windows, and vents are properly sealed to prevent drafts and reduce heating costs.
• Invest in Smart Thermostats: Use programmable or smart thermostats to maintain consistent indoor temperatures and prevent pipes from freezing during cold nights.
–Consumer Reports: Best Smart Thermostats
• Emergency Power Solutions: Have backup generators or battery systems in place to keep critical systems running during power outages. Regularly test these systems to ensure they’re operational.
• Stormproof Your Building: Conduct an annual inspection of roofs, gutters, and exterior walls to ensure they can withstand heavy snow or ice. Clear gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams.
• Develop a Tenant Communication Plan: Use digital tools, such as email or text alerts, to quickly update tenants on weather-related closures or safety precautions.
• Create a Winter Emergency Kit: Equip your building with supplies like flashlights, blankets, bottled water, and first-aid kits in accessible locations.
By implementing these modern strategies, tenants and building owners can better protect their properties and ensure safety throughout the winter season.
Stay safe and warm out there in 2025!
