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Safely Navigating Winter Storms | SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
The winter season is almost upon us! SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda has your back with these helpful tips.
The power of winter storms is not lost on us around here. We are fully aware of how intense winter weather can be in the Buffalo community, and we know that a single storm system can dump feet of snow, knock out power, create slick roads and make the entire community dangerous to be in while the storm rages on.
While we can’t control the weather, we can be prepared for it. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare for strong winter storms can help keep you and your family safe.
It is always recommended that you avoid traveling when a winter storm blows through. Ice and snow can easily create dangerous travel conditions and make roadways really slippery. Accidents skyrocket, and you could even be stranded on the side of the road.
Stay home and get your emergency kit restocked and prepped for the weather to come. Pull out your weather radio and make sure your kit has everything you need to stay comfortable for multiple days.
Locate your flashlights and extra batteries, first-aid supplies, safe drinking water, and some sort of reliable heat source. Blizzard conditions can knock out power for hours or even days, so having extra blankets on hand and extra firewood for your fireplace can help.
That said, there may come a time when you realize your home is simply too cold to stay in while you wait for the power to come back on. Have a backup location in mind like a friend’s house, library or warming center that you can easily get to if you need.
Winter storms can take a while to blow through, so be sure it is completely over before you head outside. Check your home thoroughly for signs of damage and then get to work clearing the excess snow.
Grab your roof rake or shovel and pull the heavy snow off the edges of your roof all around your home. This helps prevent damage from stubborn ice dam formation, but it can also help prevent your roof from collapsing. Heavy, wet snow can weigh up to 20 pounds per cubic foot, and that can add up over time to create some serious pressure on your roof.
If the storm brought strong wind, check all around your home for drafts that may have formed. Any covered vents can quickly build up ice around the grating, which can block carbon monoxide from safely exiting your home. Clear away the snow and chip away the ice right away.
We are no strangers to winter storms, and we can help you overcome any sort of damage that you experience. If your roof suffers damage, we will quickly secure your home and tackle the repairs. If a gap in your home leads to a water leak that seeps throughout your kitchen, we can help with that, too!
Our goal is to return your home to its preloss condition as quickly as possible. While winter weather may be a pain, there is so much fun to be had at this time of year, too. Let us handle your repairs so you can focus on the fun.
Our team is always ready for anything! Contact us at SERVPRO of Buffalo/Tonawanda for a quick restoration after suffering damage from a winter storm.