b'Polar Prepping, continuedPlumbing & Fire Protection Close all docks/vestibules and deploy Map every domestic/sprinkler rundoor socks and windbreaks. Place near exterior walls/attics & soffits,signage at these access points to adding insulation or heat-traceprevent people from propping doors where needed, and verify heat-traceopen.controllers Begin any drip protocols, open Exercise isolation valves, label shut- sink-based cabinets on exterior walls, offs by zone and post laminatedand add portable heat to vulnerable maps in offices rooms.Follow drip-flow protocol forAssign runners to physically verify vulnerable fixtures during coldALL rooms in the building, but nights/purge & secure hose bibbs;especially mechanical rooms, heat & monitor concessions, fieldportables and known problem houses or portables classrooms every few hours.Perform weekly low-point drainIf your facility suffers a frozen or burst checks, and check that backflowspipe, its essential that you act quickly, but and PRVs are freeze protected. safely. Always ensure the safety of your Have a plan ready for any sprinklerpersonnel first and foremost due to electric impairment if sections must beissues, slipping/falling or ceiling collapses. taken offline. Next comes source control. Isolate the affected zone and protect servers, musical HVAC & Controls instruments, libraries, labs and other high-Replace filters, check belts/bearings,dollar areas. If you have the personnel confirm coil freeze-stats and outsideand equipment, your crew can begin air dampers arent sticking. extraction and document the damage with Maintain occupied-setback heat intime-stamped photos as well. cold-prone zones, avoid deep night- Call your restoration partner contact as setbacks during arctic outbreaks. well as your insurance carrier to get them Inspect/clean coils and ducts.onsite as soon as possible to continue Schedule cleaning during breaks ifPre-assign an after-hours call treeinspections and damage mitigation. Its possible. and shut-off authority, post it widely. important to act quickly to minimize Test unit heaters in mechanicalMake sure all facilities personneldamage that may at first be unseen. Even rooms, IT closets, and vestibules andhave the phone number for yourif it appears to be a small water loss, verify fuel /electric supplies. restoration partner contact withthere may be hidden moisture that needs them at all times. attention to prevent secondary damage.Electrical & Monitoring Your disaster restoration company can Test freeze/temperature alarms andDocumentation & Insurance help you with a pre-season vulnerability BAS trend points (plenum temps,Take PRE-loss photos of roofs/ survey and a prioritized punch list. Your valve positions). mechanical rooms and all other areasfull-service restoration partner can assist Place inexpensive temp loggersin the building, and keep files in awith capital improvements that include in known cold spots; verifyinsulation upgrades, heat-trace design or generator/UPS for critical pumpscloud-based platform. repairs and temporary heat plans. You & control systems. Confirm coverage for water damageshould be sure that your chosen partner from frozen pipes in your insurancehas the emergency response capabilities, Operations & Staffing documentation with your risk poolequipment and expertise that aligns Create a holiday watch list; rotatingor insurance carrier, as well as anywith your insurers expectations. They building checks every 24-48 hoursdeductibles. should also be able to assist you with all during breaks and 8-12 hours duringdocumentation of the event.extreme cold advisories When an Arctic Blast is ForecastStock: isolation-valve keys, hose,Lock in BAS: disable deep setbacks,For more information, contact:wet-vacs, squeegees, tarps, spaceforce-run circulation pumps;Michael Asleson, General Manager,heaters (industrial, with clearance),temporarily increase minimum spaceFirst Onsite Property Restoration, 314-772-9010, heat-trace repair kits. setpoints in cold-exposed zones. 314-550-4009, Michael.asleson@firstonsite.com22|SCHOOL PLANT MANAGER MAGAZINE|WINTER 2026'