With freezing temperatures in the forecast for the next few days, Facilities Management is urging facility managers and researchers to take steps to safeguard animals, equipment, supplies and research that may be at risk from the cold and-or broken water pipes.

The National Weather Service has issued a freeze watch, 2 to 8 a.m. Wednesday (Dec. 4), indicating temperatures will be near freezing.

Then comes the possibility of even colder temperatures, in the 20s, during a hard-freeze watch from midnight Wednesday to 10 a.m. Friday (Dec. 6).

Facilities Management recommends:

• Take necessary actions to protect animals and temperature sensitive equipment and supplies.
• Allow both hot and cold faucets to drip continuously to prevent pipes from bursting, especially where pipes run through unheated or uninsulated space.
• Open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around sinks and pipes.
• Leave heat set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius) day and night during freeze watches. (For facilities where building heating and cooling is managed centrally, Facilities Management is adjusting setbacks accordingly.)
• Drain hoses and outdoor water lines where feasible.

Online

“Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes“ (American Red Cross)

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