Fwd: Draft FB post for Thawing Frozen Pipes
John Farrell
From: Farrell, John <john.f...@cisa.dhs.gov>
Date: Tue, Dec 27, 2022, 2:28 PM
Subject: Draft FB post for Thawing Frozen Pipes
To: John Farrell <jfar...@lowfr29.com>
Within my Fire & Life Safety Educator community, we’ve seen an increase in fires in local jurisdictions related to the improper thawing of frozen pipes. As part of our unified CRR messaging many jurisdictions are posting messages related to safely thawing pipes. I have compiled the below should you want to include in our messaging. Reminder I leave Wednesday/Thursday to head to Boston to see my family for NYE but will be back on/after 5Jan2023. Stay safe all. John
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From the Desk of the Chief,
Many parts of our nation continue to be impacted by this extreme weather we were asked, "How should someone safely thaw frozen pipes?"
Our colleagues at the Red Cross compiled some excellent safety reminders including our favorite do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device to thaw your pipes.
- If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
- Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
- Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Apply heat until full water pressure is restored.
- Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.
- If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
More information available at: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm/frozen-pipes.html
John P. Farrell Jr.
Chief
Chemical Security, Compliance Branch
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
US Department of Homeland Security
Phone: (202) 657-7758 *Please note my new number
Email: John.F...@cisa.dhs.gov
Visit us at CISA.gov/CFATS