The 2015 winter has been a freezing time for many states in the Northeast, with much of the U.S. impacted by the Arctic Blast and bone-chilling temperatures reaching 20 to 35 degrees below average. Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and surrounding states have been blasted by snow, rain, ice, wind and freezing weather causing power outages and property damage. Even Florida, a state known for its sunny and warm environment, is facing colder weather in the 20 degree range, which is almost hot compared to the negative temperatures felt by cities like Boston.
A big issue is when consistent snow builds during a long period of time, which turns to ice and “weighs about eight times more” than snow, according to Garrick Goldenberg, a professor at Wentworth Institute of Technology.* This accumulation can lead to “ice dams” – thick ridges of ice that form along the eaves of the roof. The freezing and thawing cycle during the winter causes water to back up and seep into homes, damaging ceilings, walls, insulation, furnishings, and floors. This can then lead to mold and severe health risks for humans. Heavy snow has continued for the past week with snow piling on top of homes, businesses and other properties causing many roofs to collapse just in the Boston area alone. *WCVB.com
Paul Davis has been working around the clock to help the thousands of calls received from homeowners, insurance agents and adjusters, property managers and others needing help with residential and commercial building damage.
Below are a few Extreme Cold Weather Tips to prevent your house or commercial building from getting damaged:
- Scrape the snow off your roof as frequently as possible to prevent ice dams from forming.
- Utilize fireplaces, wood stoves and space heaters.
- Practice safety by checking ventilation, using fireplace screens and monitoring your fire extinguishers and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Create a Fire Escape Plan and practice with your family or roommates.
- Avoid frozen pipes.
- Wrap all pipes with insulation, heat tape or newspapers to keep moisture out.
- Drip all faucets in the home or property.
- For already frozen pipes, turn each faucet on and pour hot water over pipes or you can use a hair dryer.
- Keep an Emergency Kit around.
- The ideal kit contains emergency contacts, insurance and doctor information, a 3-day supply of water and food, medications, toiletries, weather radio with batteries, blankets, flashlights and necessities.
- Use this Family Emergency Plan to keep your loved ones safe: http://locations.pauldavis.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/PD_EmergencyPlan_form-reduced.pdf
- Check on your neighbors and their homes, especially if they are elderly, disabled, or living alone.
We are confident these cold weather tips will keep you safe from harm as you bundle up during this chilly winter. If you do encounter property damage, please do not hesitate to Call Paul! We are here to assist you with multiple property damage services including water, fire, wind and storm damage to any type of residential or commercial building, including the furnishings and contents inside. Every Paul Davis professional is certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning Restoration Certification) and there for you 24/7 response.
Resources:
http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Top-Ten-Red-Cross-Cold-Weather-Safety-Tips