Northeast Indiana is bracing for a dramatic temperature drop tonight, with forecasts here in Fort Wayne predicting we will hit 0°F or lower. At SVN | Parke Group, we’ve managed commercial properties through many Hoosier winters, and we know that the next few hours are crucial for protecting your property from damage.
Our professional maintenance techs are out taking proactive steps before temps drop for our clients’ properties, but you do not have to be a facilities expert to prepare your building and grounds for extreme cold.
Wondering where to start? Here are our top five priorities for the next few hours:
1. Inspect and Insulate Exposed Pipes
Frozen pipes are the number one threat during during extreme cold snaps, and the damage from burst pipes can potentially run into the tens of thousands of dollars.
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- Focus first on pipes in unheated areas: exterior walls, crawl spaces, attics, and loading dock areas. Wrap any exposed pipes with foam insulation sleeves or heat tape. If you don’t have proper insulation materials on hand, even wrapping pipes with towels or newspapers secured with duct tape provides some protection.
- For particularly vulnerable areas, consider leaving cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes, and keep the water moving by letting faucets drip slightly overnight.
2. Check Your HVAC System and Programmable Thermostats
Your heating system is about to work harder than it has yet this season.
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- Make sure your HVAC system is ready by checking that all vents and returns are unobstructed, and dirty filters that could restrict airflow and reduce efficiency are replaced.
- If you typically lower temperatures overnight to save energy, tonight is not the night—keep your building at a consistent temperature of at least 55 degrees, even in unoccupied spaces. The cost of running your heat continuously for one night is minimal compared to the cost of freeze damage.
- Double-check that your system is actually functioning properly, and if you have multiple zones, verify that each area is receiving adequate heat.
3. Seal Air Leaks and Weather-Strip Entry Points
Cold air seeping in can overwhelm your heating system and create localized cold spots that put pipes and equipment at risk.
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- Walk through your property and check all doors, windows, loading docks, and other potential entry points for drafts. Seal any leaks with weather stripping or door sweeps. Again, if you do not have these supplies on hand, a quick fix is to roll up towels to block gaps under doors.
- Pay special attention to areas where utilities enter the building—these spots often have gaps that allow frigid air to stream inside.
- For tonight’s emergency preparation, even temporary fixes like plastic sheeting over drafty windows can make a significant difference.
4. Protect Outdoor Equipment and Water Features
Outdoor HVAC units, generators, and other mechanical equipment need attention before the temperature drops.
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- Clear away any snow or ice buildup that could restrict airflow or damage components.
- If you have outdoor water features, decorative fountains, or irrigation systems that haven’t been winterized, shut off water supplies and drain them if possible. Cover outdoor faucets and hose bibs with insulated covers.
- Check that roof drains and downspouts are clear—ice dams can form quickly in extreme cold and cause significant water damage when temperatures rise again.
5. Develop an Emergency Contact Plan
If something goes wrong overnight, you need to be able to respond immediately.
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- Make sure you have contact information readily available for your HVAC contractor, plumber, and emergency restoration company.
- Assign someone to check the property first thing in the morning, or if possible, do a quick walk-through late tonight after the temperature drops to catch any problems early.
- Make sure your after-hours contact information is current with your tenants so they can reach you if they notice heating failures or other issues.
For commercial property owners, action is required to protect your investment from cold snaps. The few hours you invest in preparation today could save you from weeks of repairs and disruption.
Don’t wait until morning to take these essential steps-but if you’d rather stay indoors and warm during arctic temps, let our Property Management or Facility Maintenance teams handle the work.
Reach out, or give us a call at (260) 489-8500 for more information.
