TIME TO RESPOND 

With the last hard freeze forecasted for tonight, our Congregations will have an opportunity to respond to damage caused by the Arctic weather over the coming days and weeks. The record cold has caused widespread damage and suffering, much of it caused by burst pipes and water damage.

The Next Seven Days 

For the next seven days, we ask that Congregations help their members and surrounding community avoid further damage by

• assisting in shutting off the water, and 

• assisting families in cleaning up.

CRISISCLEANUP.ORG

Crisis Cleanup will be serving as the collaborative disaster work order management platform for homeowners asking for assistance and volunteer organizations ready to help. Look for an email this afternoon on how to use Crisis Cleanup.  This is a great way to make sure that we see every neighbor who has their hand raised and is looking for help. 

Homeowners requesting assistance may call the Winter Blast hotline at 844-965-1386.

Congregations wishing to see and claim jobs from Crisis Cleanup may register here (registration closes March 12th)

Rule #1: Do No Damage

Procedures for cleaning up after a burst pipe are significantly less aggressive than mucking and gutting after a flood. Because the water from the pipes is not contaminated, many belongings, including carpeting, can be saved if dried out promptly. While we finalize guidelines, please limit your efforts cleaning up fallen or falling sheetrock and wet insulation and start drying the home. If sheetrock has not caved in, we recommend it not be removed for now. It is impossible to heat a house with a hole in the sealing.

Mold Concerns 

Mold may be less of an immediate concern given the weather. The ideal temperature for mold growth is between 77-degrees and 86-degrees Fahrenheit. Take advantage of the cooler weather by setting their thermostat lower to inhibit mold growth.

DIY Pipe Repairs

If you have skilled volunteers and decide to repair burst pipes, we recommend working with your local recovery organization. When undertaking pipe repairs, please mitigate further damage or hardship by minimizing openings in the ceilings and temporarily closing all gaps so homeowners can heat their houses. In less dire circumstances, such repairs are best left to licensed plumbers. Still, we know that many who live in vulnerable communities cannot afford a professional plumber.

After This Weekend 

Looking past this weekend, many homeowners in our most vulnerable communities will need help to repair their homes. We are working with our partners to create a volunteer training in Burst Pipe Repair to be rolled out soon. Coming out from under this widespread damage will take months. We are currently sourcing plumbing supplies and materials, developing training on making simple handyman repairs to pipes, and developing a plan to address socially vulnerable communities for the following week.

We hope that your Congregation will be willing to help your neighbors in their time of need.