This past winter delivered another brutal reminder to much of the Southeast and Tennessee River Valley: the weather doesn’t care how prepared you think you are. Record-breaking cold, unexpected snow and back-to-back freeze events pushed infrastructure to the brink.
For municipal water managers, facility owners and engineers, one weak point stood out: unprotected or poorly protected backflow preventers.
Water froze. Pipes burst. Systems failed.
As the region thaws out and eyes turn toward hurricane season, one lesson is clear. Now is the time to protect enclosures from harsh environments before the next extreme weather event strikes.
Areas unaccustomed to severe cold were caught off guard this winter. In several municipalities such as Valdosta, Ga., backflow preventers and other outdoor infrastructures were left exposed to harsh environments.
But it wasn’t just the cold that created issues. In February, flash flooding and tornados rippled through parts of Kentucky, West Virginia, Tennessee and Virginia. Meanwhile, in Southeast Texas, record-warm temperatures were followed by deep freezes due to an Arctic front, prompting municipalities to issue advisories to protect backflow preventers.
Underground utility vaults might seem like a safe spot, but during extended freezes they become safety liabilities to the water supply. That’s because vaults trap cold air and turn into iceboxes. They don’t typically have climate control, which makes them more prone to freeze-related failures.
Plus, vaults are classified as confined spaces by OSHA, which can delay a maintenance crew that needs proper equipment to enter, not to mention the safety hazards when they do. For these reasons and others, many jurisdictions nationwide are requiring utility equipment to be installed above-grade in an insulated enclosure.
Now that winter’s grip has loosened, you might be breathing a sigh of relief. But this is no time to relax. Hurricane season officially begins June 1.
Protecting enclosures now, in the mild spring months, is a proactive way to avoid last-minute scrambles when storms are already on the radar. It’s also the optimal window to evaluate what worked (and what didn’t) during the winter and make changes while systems are still accessible and crews are available.
In Tallahassee, Fla., American Backflow Products had just installed a vinyl-wrapped Safe-T-Cover aluminum enclosure this winter. Right after this, Tallahassee experienced its first freeze and accumulating snowfall in years. Talk about good timing! The backflow equipment remained protected.
It’s easy to focus on the equipment inside the box, but the quality of the enclosure itself matters just as much. A well-designed aluminum enclosure provides protection from multiple threats:
Weather extremes: Both freezing temperatures and high heat can damage sensitive valves and pipes.
Flooding: Enclosures with poor drainage or no slab heating are vulnerable to water accumulation and long-term damage.
Vandalism and theft: Lightweight cages or exposed infrastructure are easy targets. A secure, lockable enclosure offers much better protection.
Aesthetic and code concerns: Enclosures can be designed to blend into the environment and comply with local guidelines.
According to ASSE 1060 standards, above-ground enclosures should include freeze protection, climate control, tamper resistance and adequate drainage. Meeting these specifications ensures long-term durability and compliance.
You might think hurricane preparation begins with boarding windows or checking backup power, but for water infrastructure, it starts well before that. Hurricanes bring more than high winds and heavy rain. They often unleash debris, widespread flooding and sudden pressure shifts in water mains. These conditions can allow for cross-connections and compromise water quality, especially if key components like backflow preventers aren't properly protected.
Backflow preventers are critical to maintain clean, safe drinking water during storms, but their effectiveness hinges on where — and how — they're installed. Devices placed in indoor mechanical rooms are prone to flooding if a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valve fails, potentially dumping hundreds of gallons per minute inside an already storm-surge-flooded building.
Vault installations are no better: confined, flood-prone and dangerous for crews to access during emergencies. The most reliable solution is an above-groun enclosure, designed to shield the backflow assembly from storm damage while preventing contamination and accommodating ongoing access for maintenance and testing.
Whether you're reviewing your current setup or planning a new installation, ask these questions to ensure you're making the right enclosure choice:
Is the enclosure above ground and compliant with ASSE 1060?
Does it include freeze protection, slab heating or other climate control features?
Can the materials withstand wind, dust and sudden changes in water pressure from severe storms?
Is it easy to access for maintenance without entering confined spaces?
Does it blend into the environment to avoid aesthetic objections or vandalism?
By auditing your waterworks infrastructure you’ll learn what’s outdated, what's a safety risk and what needs upgrading. Even if your region doesn’t face hurricanes every year, the trend toward more volatile and widespread weather events is undeniable.
Just as freeze protection was crucial during winter, hurricane protection means securing, sealing and safeguarding critical infrastructure before storms hit. Early preparation means fewer disruptions and safer communities.
Choosing enclosures with modular, tamper-resistant designs and materials is a crucial first step. Plus, above-ground installations are more cost effective than vaults and constructed for worker safety.
No one wants to revisit the chaos and cost of this past winter. Fortunately, you don’t have to. With the right aluminum enclosure design and a proactive mindset, you can be ready for whatever the next season brings, whether it’s a summer hurricane or another unexpected cold snap.
Protect enclosures now and you're assuring your backflow preventers, your water quality and your peace of mind later. At Safe-T-Cover we have an extensive range of enclosures, including the ability to develop custom enclosures. As a manufacturer based in the U.S., we've got application expertise for just about any demanding environment that your backflow equipment lives in. From industrial enclosures to enclosures at government facilities or businesses, we offer robust customization and can just about do it all.
If you’re unsure how your current setup stacks up, or you’re planning new construction that requires secure, quality above-ground protection, we can help. Contact us for guidance on your project.