The weather has turned in the Puget Sound, and this week marks the one-year anniversary of the area’s 2012 crippling snow and ice storm — another good reminder that Western Washingtonians need to be prepared now for freezing temperatures.

Take Winter By Storm — a campaign to help citizens get prepared before bad weather strikes — reminds everyone that freezing temperatures can lead to a number of overwhelming problems around the home, including causing water pipes to freeze and burst.

“A minuscule, one-eighth inch crack in a pipe can spew more than 250 gallons of water a day destroying floors, furniture, appliances and personal items,” said Brian Chambers, State Farm agent and Take Winter By Storm representative. “The good news is that it only takes a few simple steps to protect your home, but it’s important to do them now and not procrastinate.”

Beat the freeze with these simple steps:

• Insulate pipes that run along outside walls, floors and ceilings.

• Disconnect outside garden hoses and cover outdoor faucets.

• Seal foundation cracks that let arctic air freeze pipes in crawlspaces.

• If going away for an extended period of time, maintain adequate heat inside the home (no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit), as well as shut off and drain the water system.

In the event you are caught unprepared with freezing temperatures in the forecast, State Farm recommends two tasks that take two minutes, which can potentially save thousands of dollars in damages.

• Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to piping under sinks and vanities near exterior walls.

• Run a small trickle of water at vulnerable cold and hot faucets.

 

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