This winter has been an unbearable 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. Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and surrounding states have been overwhelmed by snow, rain, ice, wind and freezing weather causing power outages and property damage. Even Florida, a state known for its humid environment, is facing colder weather in the 20 degree range, which is almost hot compared to the negative temperatures felt by locations like Boston.
A large issue is when consistent snow builds during a long period of time, which forms into ice and “weighs about eight times more” than snow, according to Garrick Goldenberg, a Wentworth Institute of Technology professor.* This can result in “ice dams” – thick ice that forms 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, floors, and furnishings. This could cause mold and severe health risks for humans. Heavy snowfall has continued for the past week with snow piling on top of homes, businesses and other properties causing hundreds of roofs to collapse just in the Boston area alone. *WCVB.com
Experts at Paul Davis have 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.
Here are a few Extreme Cold Weather Tips to prevent your house or commercial building from getting damaged:
- Scrape the snow off your roof as much as possible to prevent ice dams from forming.
- Utilize fireplaces, wood stoves and space heaters.
- Practice safety by checking ventilation, using fireplace glass doors and monitoring your fire extinguishers and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Create a Fire Escape Plan and practice with your loved ones.
- Eliminate frozen pipes.
- Wrap all pipes with heat tape, insulation 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 use a hair dryer.
- Keep an Emergency Kit handy.
- The best kit contains emergency contacts, insurance information, a 3-day supply of water and food, medications, toiletries, weather radio with batteries, blankets, flashlights and other needed items.
- Use this Family Emergency Plan to keep your family safe: http://locations.pauldavis.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/pd_EmergencyPlan_form-reduced.pdf
- Check on your neighboring homes, especially if they are elderly, disabled, or living alone.
We hope these cold weather tips will keep you safe from harm as you stay warm 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 expert is certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning Restoration Certification) and there for you 24/7 response.
Resources:
http://www.wcvb.com/weather/icy-rainy-weekend-storm-could-add-to-massachusetts-roof-dangers/31338328
http://www.weather.com/storms/winter/news/arctic-blast-record-lows-midwest-south-northeast
http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/ready-massachusetts/extreme-cold.html
http://www.redcross.org/news/article/top-ten-red-cross-cold-weather-safety-tips