Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

12/26/2017 (Permalink)

Photo by Bob Canning on Unsplash

Here at SERVPRO of Henry and Randolph Counties we are always ready to help and prepared for whatever disaster may arise. According to Ready.gov here are some actions you can take to help reduce property damage during a Winter Storm and Extreme Cold.

WINTERIZE YOUR HOME by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.

INSULATE WATER PIPES. Also, allow faucets to drip or trickle during unusually cold weather or if the power and heat are out to avoid freezing. When water freezes, it expands, and this can cause water pipes to burst. Know how to shut off water valves if a pipe bursts.

CLEAR RAIN GUTTERS, repair roof leaks, check your roof to make sure it can handle the extra weight of the snow and ice, and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or neighboring structure. Keep pathways and driveways clear between storms to avoid buildup of snow piles and icing.

INSTALL BATTERY-OPERATED CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS or electric detectors with battery backups in central locations on every level of your home. This will provide an early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide, which is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and potentially deadly gas.

HIRE A CONTRACTOR to check the structural ability of your roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow and/or ice.

KEEP FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ON HAND and make sure everyone in your home knows how to use them. If your smoke alarms get power from your home’s electrical system (hardwired), make sure the backup battery is replaced at least once a year, so your alarms will work during a power outage.

MAINTAIN HEATING EQUIPMENT and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional. Renters, either check with your landlord or property manager to ensure that they have taken care of these necessary building improvements or find out your responsibilities with respect to these actions.

In the event of a disaster striking we are always just a phone call away... 765-575-8654