Each year hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage occur at chapter houses across the country due to FREEZE claims during the holiday break. 

Why? Because someone does not make certain the furnace is turned on and in good working order. Or, someone actually turns the heat down to save a few dollars and returns to the chapter with a river running down what used to be the hall or stairwell.

Avoid having to deal with these hassles, displaced brothers and the expensive insurance deductibles by taking these few precautionary steps:

Service your furnace. Routine maintenance is critical and relatively inexpensive.  In the long run it will save you money.  Leave your furnace on and maintain the heat at 65 degrees. 

Shut off the water supply at the main valve and open the faucets.  If your property is equipped with a fire sprinkler system, please check with the contractor to ensure its effectiveness is not compromised in any way.

Open cabinet doors that contain water lines.  It will allow heat to enter the area and help prevent them from freezing.

Make sure all hoses are removed from exterior water spigots.

Unplug all non-essential appliances and electronics.   The source of many fires was an improperly used, unattended or malfunctioning appliance or space heater.  If they are not plugged in, they are not a threat. 

Clean the chapter house before the break.  This will ensure that no heat registers are blocked and will reduce any potential fire hazards.

Have a volunteer or hire someone to check on the property, at a minimum, every 24 hrs.  If available, utilize a responsible member or alumni to undertake this preventative measure.  Make sure this designated person has the insurance information needed to immediately report a claim in the event of a loss. 

Make sure the property is securely locked and ask the local police department to check on it periodically to deter vandals and thieves.  Don't forget to securely store all valuables!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our insurance provider WillisHRH at 800.736.4327 or visit their website at www.willisfraternity.com.

If your chapter is not purchasing property insurance through the Theta Xi program, contact your local insurance agent.