GAINESVILLE - The Hall County School System is gearing up for the unseasonably cold weather that is expected over the next two to three days, and the state Insurance Commissioner has a reminder for home owners. And, it was one year ago that record lows were set all over Georgia.<br />
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Hall Co. Schools Supt. Will Schofield said Tuesday "In preparation (for the extreme cold), our transportation and maintenance departments are doing all that is within their abilities to ensure our buses run and buildings are warm and ready for our students and staff."<br />
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Schofield noted that some bus routes may be running late.<br />
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"Families and community members are reminded to please exercise caution with children waiting at bus stops, as some routes may be running late," he said. "We will do our best to notify our community of any challenges via Twitter and our website."<br />
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AccuWeather.com says the expected highs in Gainesville for the reminder of the work week are 36 Wednesday, 31 Thursday and 39 Friday. Lows will range from 29 Tuesday night to 13 Wednesday, 22 Thursday and 24 Friday night. Wind chills will be a factor, as well, at times, with readings near or just below zero Thursday morning in Gainesville and the rest of northeast Georgia. <br />
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A wind advisory is in effect for most of Wednesday for most of north and central Georgia including the Gainesville area. It is effective for 12 hours starting at 10:00 Wednesday morning. (See link below.)<br />
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It was one year ago, on Jan. 7, that record lows were set all over Georgia - including Gainesville - as a frigid blast of air moved in from Canada. The low in Gainesville that day was 5, breaking a record of 12 that had stood since 1969. The day before, Jan. 6, a low of 9 tied a record set in 1969.<br />
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Meanwhile, state Insurance Commissioner Ralph Hudgens is reminding Georgians that if their homes are damaged by the extreme cold, they may get financial relief through their homeowners policies.<br />
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"Depending on the source of the property damage, you may or may not be covered," Hudgens said. "Here's what a typical homeowners policy may pay for":<br />
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· Repairing damage to internal plumbing caused by freezing will generally be covered by your homeowners policy. The policy should also pay for damage to carpeting, furniture, and other belongings caused by your own pipes freezing.<br />
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· However, damage from water entering your home from an outside source, such as a broken water main, may not be covered. Damage from external waters may be classified as "flood" or "seepage," which is not covered by a standard homeowners policy.<br />
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· If you live in an apartment or condominium, and water from an upstairs neighbor's pipes damages your property, you will be covered under your own renters (or condo owners) policy. If you don't have such coverage, the neighbor's liability policy may pay for your damage, but only if you can prove the neighbor was negligent.<br />
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· Repairs to frozen pipes on your property but not in the home, such as in your yard, are not covered by standard homeowners insurance.<br />
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Hudgens also warned that cold temperatures sometimes result in dangerous fires as a result of carelessness with home heating devices. For example, if you use space heaters or wood stoves in cold weather, remember to keep them away from combustibles like curtains and bedding.<br />
