7 Steps to Reduce the Risk of Frozen Pipes
December 30, 2015
Few of us have forgotten last year’s winter. Even places that usually escape the worst of winter’s chill felt its effects in 2015. Many churches found themselves cleaning up messes caused by burst pipes—not only a costly experience, but also one that can put a ministry on hold.
Just because you experienced the nightmare of frozen pipes last year doesn’t mean your church has to again this year. Now is the time to put a plan in place that can help ease the impact of another winter, regardless of how cold it might be.
Here are seven things you can do to keep water where it belongs this winter.
- Shut out cold air: Insulate your pipes with foam or rubber sleeves to keep them from freezing.
- Watch the thermostat: Maintain a building temperature of at least 55 degrees.
- Use the drip tip: Let your faucets drip to keep water moving.
- Protect your investments: Take the proper steps to safeguard the sprinkler system that protects your building during a fire. Call your installer to winterize the system.
- Stop by for a visit: If your church sits empty for days at a time, stop by periodically to check the building temperature and the status of the water pipes.
- Don’t neglect what’s empty: Winterize buildings that stand vacant during winter months. Drain pipes and appliances; shut off the water supply; and apply nontoxic antifreeze, when appropriate.
- Stay alert: Install water alarms to alert you when water goes where it doesn’t belong. Some alarms are equipped to call, text, or email you when there’s a problem.
Help eliminate unwanted surprises this winter by keeping your buildings warm and insulted. Spend time where you’re need most rather than cleaning up the mess from frozen water pipes.
- IRS Announces More Church Audits Regarding ACA Compliance
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Last month, the IRS announced that its initiating hundreds of church exams to test compliance with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). While many provisions only apply to churches with 50 or more full-time equivalent employees (FTEs), even smaller churches could potentially violate provisions applicable to health benefit plans with as few as 2 plan participants.
- July 3, 2019
- Celebrate Safely This Independence Day
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July 4th is synonymous with food, fun, and fireworks. If your church is planning an event this Independence Day, remember to keep a focus on safety, so that everyone can have fun.
- June 28, 2019
- Insurance is one of those things we forget about until we need it
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National Insurance Awareness Day falls on June 28 this year to remind people everywhere that insurance is vital to their companies and ministries.
- May 13, 2019
- Protect Your People & Property During Hailstorms
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According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), hail causes about $1 billion in damage to crops and property each year. Prepare your ministry and people for hail this season.
- April 30, 2019
- Measles Cases Reach Record-Breaking Numbers
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More than 700 confirmed cases of measles have been reported in the United States so far this year, making this outbreak the worst in decades.
- April 9, 2019
- Vehicle Registration Guidelines for Ministries
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Do you use commercial vehicles that transport more than 15 passengers or carry cargo from one state to another as part of your ministry? If so, you are required to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and obtain a USDOT number.
- March 25, 2019
- March 25-29 is Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Iowa & Nebraska
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As winter turns to spring, we’re also in for a turn in weather. Lightning, strong winds, flash flooding, hail, or tornadoes could quickly strike your ministry. The National Weather Service has designated March 25-29, 2019, as Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Iowa and Nebraska.
- June 1, 2018
- June Is National Safety Month - Week 1: Emergency Preparedness
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The National Safety Council has designated June as National Safety Month, so we want to make sure your ministry is doing everything it can to protect its people, property, and programs. Each week in June, we’ll tackle a different topic. Up this week: Emergency Preparedness.
- April 18, 2018
- Collect Online Donations? This New Scam Targets You
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There’s a new scam in town, and ministries and other organizations collecting donations are the primary target. If your ministry collects tithes or donations, you could be targeted by scammers practicing donation overpayment fraud.
- February 21, 2018
- Remembering Billy Graham
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Beloved evangelist Billy Graham was called to his heavenly home on Wednesday, February 21, 2018, at the age of 99.
- February 9, 2018
- Flu Is Widespread: Protect Your Congregation
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For the first time in its 13 years of influenza monitoring, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting that every state in the continental U.S. is seeing widespread flu activity. Get tips on how to keep your congregation healthy this flu season.
- June 19, 2017
- Off-Site Youth Activities
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Snow skiing. Camping. Whitewater rafting. A youth group trip can give students an exciting diversion from their weekly routines, as well as an opportunity to strengthen healthy friendships. Off-site activities may challenge your students to step outside of their comfort zones a bit, but this can bring about a positive result.
- June 7, 2017
- Insurance Protection Should Accompany Every Mission Trip
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If you are in the process of planning a mission trip for your church group, make sure to think carefully about insurance, safety, and security as you hammer out the details. Extra preparation could minimize headaches when your group arrives on the mission field.
- May 24, 2017
- Think Before You Loan Your Ministry's Vehicles
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Has your church or school ever been asked to loan one of your vans or buses to another? Before you decide to loan your ministry vehicles to another organization, seriously consider the potential risks associated with such a decision.
- March 29, 2017
- Has Your Church Completed a Personal Property Inventory?
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Completing a personal property inventory of your church or ministry could be one of the wisest activities you can pursue. If disaster strikes and you file an insurance claim, you may need an inventory highlighting damaged items.
- March 15, 2017
- Is Your Ministry as Safe as It Could Be?
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Have you thought through potential dangers that may confront your ministry? Taking steps to consider and address these risks provides important protection from injuries, lawsuits, fires, and dozens of other hazards that may affect your ministry, especially your employees and those you serve.
- February 22, 2017
- Health Care Reimbursement Option Now Available
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Small businesses—including churches and related ministries—can once again pay premiums for their employees’ health insurance. Previously known as an Employer Payment Plan (EPP) or Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), these arrangements violated the Affordable Care Act (ACA). However, due to a recently passed law, ministries that are not part of a group health plan now have another option to help employees with health care costs.
- February 15, 2017
- IRS Warns of Dangerous W-2 Email Scam
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Ministries beware: An email scheme, designed to coincide with tax season, asks payroll and human resource professionals to disclose employees’ personal information. Think you wouldn’t fall for such a scam? You might, if the email looks as if it came from someone in your ministry.
- February 1, 2017
- Dual Tax Status: What Does It Mean for Your Pastor?
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Under federal law, most ministers have dual tax status. Dual tax status means a minister is an employee of the church for federal income tax purposes, and self-employed for Social Security and Medicare taxes. Here’s what you need to know.
- January 18, 2017
- Protect Your Board Against Lawsuits
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Lawsuits against churches and ministries are on the rise, making their board members especially vulnerable. Sometimes, courts have found directors and officers personally liable when their actions have resulted in financial damages.