The 2015 winter has been a brutal time for the majority of 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. Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and surrounding states have been engulfed by snow, ice, rain, wind and freezing weather causing power outages and property damage. Even Florida, a state known for its sunny and warm environment, is facing chilly weather in the 20 degree range, which is almost hot compared to the below freezing temperatures felt by locations like Boston.
A huge issue is when consistent snow builds overtime, which forms into ice and “weighs about eight times more” than snow, according to Garrick Goldenberg, a professor at Wentworth Institute of Technology.* This accumulation can result in “ice dams” – thick ice that forms along the eaves of the roof. When ice dams form, the freezing and thawing cycle during the winter causes water to back up and seep into homes, damaging walls, ceilings, insulation, furnishings, and floors. This could cause mold and severe health risks for humans. Heavy snow has continued for the last few days with snow forming on top of homes, businesses and other properties causing many roofs to collapse just in the Boston area alone. *WCVB.com
Paul Davis experts 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.
Below 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.
- Utilize fireplaces, wood stoves and space heaters.
- Practice safety by checking ventilation, using fireplace glass doors and monitoring your fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.
- Create a Fire Escape Plan and practice with your family or roommates.
- 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, open each faucet and pour hot water over pipes or use a hair dryer.
- Keep an Emergency Kit around.
- The best type of kit contains emergency contacts, insurance and doctor information, a 3-day supply of food and water, medications, toiletries, weather radio with batteries, blankets, flashlights and necessities.
- Use an 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 are confident these chilly 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 help 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 available with 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