Protecting Your Home During Georgia's Winter Storm

As the greater Atlanta area prepare for a significant winter storm this weekend, homeowners need to take action to protect their most valuable investment. With forecasters predicting up to 0.4 inches of ice accumulation, widespread power outages, and temperatures in the teens, now is the time to winterize your property.

Governor Brian Kemp has declared a State of Emergency for all of Georgia, and Cobb County is under a Winter Storm Watch from Saturday afternoon through Monday morning. At Sage and Grace Realty Group, we want to ensure our community is prepared and protected.

Understanding Your Insurance Coverage

Before the storm hits, take a moment to review your homeowner's insurance policy. Understanding your coverage now can save significant stress later.

Burst Pipe Coverage: Most home and renters insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, which includes damage from burst pipes. However, policies typically won't cover frozen pipe damage if you didn't take reasonable steps to protect your home such as maintaining heat or properly insulating pipes. It's important to note that flood insurance does not cover burst pipe damage.

Food Spoilage: If a power failure caused by a covered event (like ice damage) spoils your refrigerated food, your policy may reimburse up to $500 for food replacement, often with no deductible. Take photos and keep a detailed list of spoiled items for your claim.

Know Your Deductible: Review your policy deductible and ensure you understand what you'll be responsible for paying out of pocket in the event of damage.

Days Before the Freeze: Preparation is Key

The time to act is now before temperatures drop. Here are essential steps every homeowner should take by Friday evening:

Protect Your Pipes:

• Wrap outdoor pipes and any indoor pipes in unheated areas with insulation sleeves or heating tape
• Remove and drain all outdoor water hoses
• Wrap outdoor faucets with towels, rags, or foam covers
• Drain and turn off your lawn sprinkler system
• If you have a clothes washer in an unheated garage, turn off its water supply
• Locate your main water shut-off valve—you'll need to know where it is in case of emergency

Seal and Insulate:

• Inspect your home for gaps or cracks around windows, doors, and where pipes enter the house
• Seal these openings to prevent cold air infiltration
• Check insulation in attics, basements, and crawl spaces where pipes are located

Prepare Your Property:

• Store lawn equipment in a garage or shed and drain the gas
• Bring outdoor furniture and decorations inside or secure them properly
• Clear gutters and downspouts to prevent ice dams
• Trim any overhanging tree branches that could break under ice weight
• Bring pets indoors

If You're Leaving Town: Before departing, turn off your main water supply at the shut-off valve and leave your heat on at a minimum of 55°F. Never turn your heat off completely if freezing temperatures are expected.

During the Freeze: Active Protection

Keep Heat Circulating:

• Maintain a consistent indoor temperature of at least 55°F throughout your home
• Open cabinet doors under sinks (especially those on exterior walls) to allow warm air to reach pipes
• Consider opening interior doors to promote air circulation

Let Faucets Drip: During extreme cold, allow both hot and cold water faucets to drip slightly—especially those on exterior walls or in unheated areas. Running water, even at a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing by relieving pressure in the system. Check with your local water authority for any water usage restrictions during the storm.

Monitor Your Home:

• Check your home's temperature regularly, especially if you have a smart thermostat
• Listen for unusual sounds that might indicate frozen pipes
• Be alert for signs of water leaks or pipe damage

If Pipes Freeze: If you suspect frozen pipes, immediately turn off your main water shut-off valve. This critical step prevents broken pipes from flooding your home once they thaw. Then contact a licensed plumber for assistance.

Emergency Preparedness

• Charge all electronic devices and have backup batteries ready
• Stock up on non-perishable food and water for at least three days
• Have flashlights, candles, and matches easily accessible
• Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio for weather updates
• Download the CobbGov app for real-time county emergency updates
• Have a plan for alternative heating that's safe—never use ovens, grills, or generators indoors

Generator Safety: If using a generator, operate it outdoors only, at least 20 feet from your home, to prevent deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

Special Considerations for Vacant Properties

• Set thermostats to at least 55°F minimum—never turn heat off completely
• Arrange for someone to check on the property during and after the storm
• Consider installing smart home technology to monitor temperature and water leaks remotely
• Notify your insurance agent that the property will be vacant during the freeze
• Document the property's condition with photos before the storm

Insurance companies may deny claims for vacant properties that weren't properly maintained or heated during cold weather events.

After the Storm: Assessment and Recovery

• Inspect your property for damage, including checking pipes, roof, and foundation
• Document any damage with photos for insurance purposes
• Contact your insurance company immediately if you discover damage
• Be cautious of falling ice from roofs and trees
• Don't attempt repairs that require you to be on your roof while ice is present

Travel Safety Reminder

County officials and Governor Kemp are urging all residents to avoid travel once winter conditions begin. Ice-covered roads make driving extremely dangerous, and Monday morning's commute could be severely impacted.

Sage and Grace Realty Group Is Here to Help

At Sage and Grace Realty Group, we're more than real estate professionals—we're your neighbors and community partners. Winter storms like this remind us how important proper home maintenance and preparedness are for protecting your investment.

If you have questions about protecting your property during this storm, need recommendations for contractors or services, or want to discuss how weather events impact property values and maintenance, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Stay safe, stay warm, and please check on your neighbors—especially elderly residents who may need assistance with storm preparations.