The 2015 winter has been an unbearable time for many states in the Northeast, with much of the U.S. affected by the Arctic Blast and colder than normal temperatures reaching 20 to 35 degrees below average. Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and surrounding states have been engulfed by ice, snow, rain, 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 much warmer compared to the negative temperatures felt by cities like Boston.
A huge problem 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 professor at Wentworth Institute of Technology.* This 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 season causes water to back up and seep into homes, damaging ceilings, walls, insulation, floors, and furnishings. This can then lead to mold and severe health risks for humans. Heavy snowfall has continued for the past week with snow forming on top of homes, businesses and other properties causing many 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 destruction.
Here are a few Extreme Cold Weather Tips to prevent your house or property from getting damaged:
- Scrape the snow off your roof as much as possible to prevent ice dams from forming.
- Use 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 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 you can use a hair dryer.
- Keep an Emergency Kit around.
- 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 necessities.
- Use this Family Emergency Plan to keep your family safe: http://locations.pauldavis.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/wp_EmergencyPlan_form-reduced.pdf
- Check on your neighbors and their homes, especially if they are elderly, disabled, or living alone.
We are confident these chilly 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 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