Page 4 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – January/February 2016

AAA
INSURANCE SERVICES
Protect Your Pipes from the Deep Freeze AAA Offers Tips On Protecting Your Plumbing When the Mercury Drops
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With the onset of cold weather, pipes are at risk of freezing due to sudden temperature drops, poor insulation, or incorrect thermostat settings. This winter, AAA Central Penn offers suggestions that can help prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting, which can cause significant damage
and expense.
“Freezing temperatures put your pipes at risk, and recovery can be difficult and costly,” said John Kubeika, who leads the insurance division of
AAA Central Penn. “Both plastic and copper pipes can burst, and a 1/8-inch crack in a pipe can spew up to 250 gallons of water per day, causing flooding, serious structural damage, and the potential for mold.”
PREVENTING FROZEN PIPES:
• Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water shut-off valve is and how it works.
• Insulate pipes in your home’s crawl spaces and attic, even if you live in an area where freezing temperatures are unlikely.
• Seal leaks around pipes that allow cold air inside. You should also look for air leaks around electrical wiring, clothes dryer vents and pipes. Use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out.
• Disconnect garden hoses. If possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance that pipes inside the house will freeze.
• If a freeze is expected, consider allowing warm water to drip slightly overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall. Even a slight trickle may keep your pipes from freezing.
• When there is the possibility of a freeze, don’t turn down the thermostat at bedtime, and instead maintain the same setting day and night. Drops in temperature, which are more common overnight, could freeze your pipes.
• Open cabinet doors. This will allow heat to reach uninsulated pipes located under sinks.
RECOVERING FROM FROZEN PIPES:
• If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, your pipes are likely frozen.
• You may be able to use a hair dryer to thaw a frozen pipe. Begin by warming the section of pipe closest to the faucet, then work your way out toward the coldest part of the pipe.
• Never use a hair dryer or any electrical appliances in areas of standing water. You could be electrocuted.
• Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame. It could cause a fire.
• If your water pipes have already burst, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve in the house, leave the water faucets turned on, and call a plumber.
“Prevention is the key to protecting your home this winter, and a few simple steps can help you avoid a frozen pipes nightmare,” said Kubeika. “For added peace of mind, it’s a good idea to make sure you have adequate homeowners insurance.”
Call your AAA agent to see what discounts you may be eligible for and what type of additional coverage you might need. Call (888) 787-7633 to speak to a AAA insurance representative.
AAA’S 109th ANNUAL MEETING
The 109th annual meeting of AAA Central Penn will be held on Thursday, March 24 at the club headquarters located at 2301 Paxton Church Road, Harrisburg. The meeting will begin at 4:00 p.m.
Chairperson Jessica E. Meyers, President/CEO Frank Frailey and Treasurer J. Roger Moyer, Jr. will present reports to the membership. Directors for the 2016- 2019 term will be elected. A list of nominated individuals for election to the Board of Directors may be obtained by going to the AAA Central Penn website, AAA.com, after March 2, 2016. If you do not have access to a computer and would like a list of the nominees, please contact Joyce Fohl, AAA Central Penn, 2301 Paxton Church Road, Harrisburg, PA, phone (717) 657-2244, ext. 1951, and we will be happy to provide you with the
slate of candidates.
AAA Central Penn continues to grow and serve
our more than 343,000 members through a network of 11 full-time service offices, the Member Services Call Center and website, AAA.com.
Members enjoy benefits in the travel, insurance and financial areas while being protected
24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by our Emergency Road Service.
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
Now!