THE TAKEAWAYS
- Prepare for Power Outages: Learn from ERCOT’s past failures by investing in energy resilience, such as backup generators and property maintenance.
- Safeguard Pipes: Insulate exposed pipes, maintain indoor heating, and monitor water flow to prevent freezing and bursts.
- Seal and Inspect: Regularly check for and seal gaps around doors, windows, and plumbing to keep out cold air.
- Hire a Public Adjuster: Enlist professional help to navigate insurance claims and ensure maximum settlements for freeze-related damages.
Lessons from the ERCOT Disaster: Cold Weather Tips and the Role of a Public Adjuster
As temperatures drop across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, the memories of the ERCOT power grid disaster and its devastating consequences remain fresh for many North Texans. Winter’s chill underscores the importance of preparing your property for the season while understanding how professionals like the Public Adjusters at True View Commercial can help mitigate risks and recover from disasters.
In this True View Commercial Blog post, we explore essential cold-weather strategies and helpful tips for homeowners and business owners in North Texas.
ERCOT Power Grid: A Reminder to Be Prepared
The 2021 ERCOT power grid failure left millions of Texans without power during a historic winter storm, causing widespread property damage. Frozen pipes, water intrusion, and structural damage were rampant across Dallas-Fort Worth. Subsequent storms in 2022 and 2023 reiterated the vulnerabilities of the state’s infrastructure and the need for personal preparedness.
At True View Commercial, we were seeing the effects of severe pipe damage even into the winter of 2023. Many new clients were on-boarded to our firm with pipes that were likely severely damaged in 2021 that finally gave way during the mild freezing temperatures in the years after.
From this experience, many homeowners and businesses became acutely aware of some tips they could implement themselves to help prevent disasters. Consideration includes:
- Energy Resilience: Consider backup generators or alternative heating sources to maintain warmth during power outages.
- Proactive Maintenance: Regular inspections of your property’s insulation and HVAC systems can prevent costly damages.
- For me, this is the most important tip and I discuss more below!
- Insurance Awareness: Ensure your policy includes coverage for water damage and freezing-related incidents.
Cold Weather Tips for North Texas Properties
Preventative measures can minimize the risks associated with freezing temperatures. Implement these strategies to safeguard your property:
- Insulate Pipes: Protect exposed pipes in unheated spaces with foam insulation or heat tape. Don’t forget outdoor faucets and hose bibs.
- Maintain Consistent Heating: Keep indoor temperatures above 55°F to prevent pipes from freezing. Insurance policies often require homeowners to maintain this minimum temperature.
- Seal Openings: Inspect and seal gaps around doors, windows, and plumbing penetrations to keep cold air out.
- Monitor Water Flow: Let faucets drip during freezing weather to relieve pressure in the system, reducing the likelihood of pipe bursts.
The Role of a Public Adjuster in North Texas
If winter damage does occur, navigating the insurance claims process can be daunting. The Public Adjusters at True View Commercial are licensed professionals who advocate for policyholders, ensuring they receive a fair settlement from their insurance company.
Why Hire a Public Adjuster at True View Commercial?
- Expert Damage Assessment: Our Public Adjusters thoroughly evaluate structural and contents damage, including hidden issues like insulation loss or microbial growth.
- Maximized Settlements: Our adjusters negotiate settlements that reflect the true scope of damage and repair costs with their expertise.
- Stress-Free Process: They manage documentation, communication, and negotiations with your insurer, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Success in North Texas
True View Commercial has successfully assisted countless North Texas homeowners and businesses in securing millions of dollars in insurance claims after freeze-related incidents. Our local expertise ensures that we understand the unique challenges of the DFW market and can provide tailored support to policyholders.
Prepare Today, Recover Tomorrow
The ERCOT power grid failures and recurring winter storms have highlighted the importance of preparation and professional assistance in safeguarding your property. By taking proactive measures to protect your home and engaging a Public Adjuster at True View Commercial when needed, you can face North Texas winters with confidence.
Contact True View Commercial today for assistance with freeze-related insurance claims or to learn more about protecting your property. Our team is here to help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims and ensure your home or business is ready for whatever winter may bring.
