Now that winter has arrived, snowstorms are a very real possibility. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the snowiest times in the Atlantic corridor will happen from mid-January through early February. The key to avoiding damage from snow or ice is to prepare before it happens. Brush up on your snowstorm preparation tips below. ServiceMaster Cleaning & Restoration Services compiled the following to help you avoid water damage during the next snowstorm.
Before
The key to staying safe during any weather event is to prepare beforehand.
- Sign up for your local emergency alert system.
- Prepare your car. Leave an emergency kit containing blankets, flashlights, water and snacks. Don’t forget to keep your gas tank filled.
- Communicate with your household about the location of emergency supplies and what to do if one occurs.
- Create an emergency kit. It should contain extra blankets and layers like gloves. In addition, make sure you collect water, non-perishable food, medication and a flashlight.
During
Stay inside to avoid frostbite or other injuries. Listen to your local news for storm updates and stay out of harm’s way.
- If you use a generator, make sure to use it correctly. Never run a generator indoors. You should only place one outdoors at least 20 feet away from your home and away from open doors or windows.
- Make sure your pets are still able to access food, water and warmth. Consider laying out an extra dog bed and blankets.
- Keep a close eye on space heaters when in use. They are highly flammable and should only be placed on an open, flat surface.
After
It’s important to pay attention to weather warnings even after the snow stops falling.
- Stay inside until roads and sidewalks are cleared to avoid injuries.
- Use ice melt or sand to make sidewalks and driveways less slippery.
- While shoveling snow, be careful not to overexert yourself. After being cramped inside for days, you might need more time to adjust to an activity that you’re not used to.
Clearing Snow
After a snowstorm, the amount of snow on your roof can cause roof damage. In fact, average snow weighs 20 pounds per square foot. That can be a lot of extra weight for your roof to hold. If you need to remove snow from your roof, follow these steps.
- Do not climb a ladder and go on your roof to remove the snow. This is extremely dangerous and should be saved for the professionals.
- Instead, use a snow rake with a long handle.
- Plan where you’re going to stand and where the snow will fall ahead of time to prevent injury.
ServiceMaster Cleaning & Restoration Services in Central New Jersey is your local damage restoration experts. We hope the tips above help you make it through winter damage free. If you experience water or fire damage, contact us at 866-856-4007. Our expert technicians are available 24/7 for emergency restoration services in three New Jersey Counties: Middlesex, Hunterdon and Mercer. Our team has the experience and resources needed to exceed your expectations.
Photo by: istockphoto.com/Philip Rozenski
