It’s no secret now that Abilene and the Big Country are not immune to disaster. As we found out abruptly last week with freezing temperatures, many without power and running water, our businesses are susceptible to the forces of nature. In the last three years alone, we have experienced hard freezes, subzero temperatures, tornadoes, hailstorms, wildfires, and rising flood water all in the Abilene and surrounding communities. For many of us, our businesses are like a second home and it is my goal to spend a little bit of time giving you some inside knowledge to help you protect your business from disasters in the future.
Let’s begin with our most recent event and talk briefly about protecting your business from freezing temperatures.
Keep your business warm
Much like our homes, many businesses may have external water sources and water pipes in the walls and ceilings. It is very important to bib your outdoor faucets and insulate any pipe that may not receive direct or radiant warmth. Outside of keeping your thermostat at a reasonable temperature (suggested at 67 degrees or above) it is a good idea to have your exposed plumbing inspected every few years to ensure it is free from leaks, corrosion and remains well insulated from freezing temperatures. It’s also important to address what you may need to do if your pipes break due to weather or other reasons as well. First and foremost, stop the leak. Cut off the water source by valve or your water main to your building. Your next step should be to take pictures of any damage and make a call to your insurance company or your insurance agent to address your next steps in making a claim.
