Protect Your Property from Winter Storms

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

Storm season is coming!

Winter storms are unpredictable, and bring with them an array of hazardous weather, from extreme cold and strong winds to snow and icy conditions. According to the Insurance Information Institute, winter storms are the third-largest cause of catastrophe losses, behind only hurricanes and tornadoes, making it critical that homeowners prepare in advance and protect their property. 

Before a winter storm hits, start by doing a quick inspection of the outside of your home. Any branches that are hanging above should be cut down. When the storm hits these limbs may get heavy with snow and break, or in strong winds, blow off, and cause damage to your house, vehicles, or family. Drain pipes should be cleared of leaves and debris, and gutters repaired. Try to do this maintenance in advance of the cold season - climbing ladders in icy weather can be a danger in itself. 

Winter in general, is a good time to take some preventative measures to stop your pipes from freezing. Unprotected water pipes can freeze solid, leaving you with no water, and can potentially burst and cause water damage. Cover outdoor faucets and allow heat to circulate in your home to help keep pipes at a constant temperature. On very cold nights, leaving faucets to drip to allow movement of water through the pipes, can help stop freezing. 

Inside your home, you may consider installing a generator for emergency outages, which are not uncommon in winter storms. You can also make alterations such as additional insulation, caulking gaps and weather-stripping to reduce heat loss and prevent water seeping inside due to ice dams. Making sure your HVAC system is in good working order can increase the likelihood of it continuing to support you through a storm, and reduce wasted energy and money from a poorly functioning system. 

After the storm passes, it is vital to remove snow and ice from pathways and parking lots, especially if you are a business owner. Removing snow and treating with rock salt or grit allows your family and/or customers safe access to your home. 

By following these basic precautions and preparedness methods, you can ensure your home is safe this winter and ready to weather storms. In the event of winter damage, be sure to seek professional advice and reach out to SERVPRO for your restoration needs.