How to Prepare for Extreme Cold Temperatures

Extreme cold temperatures can wreak havoc on facilities, causing discomfort for employees and customers while potentially damaging infrastructure. Facility managers must proactively prepare to ensure operations remain smooth, buildings are protected, and staff and customers are safe. Here's how to prepare your facilities and home for the upcoming freeze.

Understanding the Challenge of Extreme Cold

When temperatures plummet, heating systems often struggle to keep up. This creates a dual challenge for businesses in colder regions—keeping occupants comfortable while protecting critical systems, such as pipes, from freezing. Facilities operating under such conditions must act early to minimize risks and downtime.

Key Preparations for Extreme Cold

1. Assess Heating Systems

Understand the performance of your heating system before temperatures drop. Test every unit and identify locations that fail to reach adequate temperatures to manage expectations proactively.

• Target temperatures: Maintain a minimum temperature of 58°F in backrooms and buildings to avoid issues like frozen pipes.
• If you detect a problem, call an expert immediately to get it professionally serviced.
• Monitor units closely to ensure they are functioning optimally.

2. Prevent Frozen Pipes

Freezing pipes are one of the most significant dangers during extreme cold. When water freezes, it expands, which can lead to burst pipes and costly repairs.

Preventive measures include:

• Wrapping pipes with electric heat tape to keep them warm.
• Insulating exposed pipes to retain heat.
• Ensuring dampers are properly shut to prevent extremely cold airflow from freezing coils.
• Creating a buffer by ensuring pipes are protected above 38°F before the outside temperature reaches freezing levels.
• Letting water drip in your home will keep water moving through the pipes, relieving unwanted pressure and preventing bursts.

3. Inspect and Block Drafts

Cold air entering through gaps, doors, or window seals can strain heating systems and create cold spots inside facilities.

• Seal drafts in windows, doors, and vents.
• Use door sweeps and weather stripping to minimize heat loss.

4. Emergency Communication Plans

Not every system failure can be resolved immediately. Have clear communication channels in place to alert staff or occupants about the following:

• Expected temperature drops and discomfort zones.
• Any service disruptions, along with proactive measures being taken.

5. Stay Prepared for Rapid Temperature Drops

Unpredictable weather can cause a sudden drop in temperature, increasing the risk of equipment failure and pipe freezing. Have systems in place to handle emergency conditions. For example:

• Move vulnerable equipment or materials to heated areas.
• Ensure backup heating solutions or generators are in working order.

6. Final Safety Reminders

Make safety a priority for everyone.

• Dress in layers for warmth.
• Avoid leaving pets outside or in vehicles during extreme cold.

Stay Ahead of the Freeze

Extreme cold is not only uncomfortable but potentially destructive for facilities that aren't prepared. Taking these precautions can greatly reduce complications caused by the dropping temperatures. A proactive approach means fewer emergencies, lower risks of costly damage, and safer conditions for everyone.

Stay one step ahead of the storm—start preparing your facility today. If you have further questions or need expert advice, our team is here to help.

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