Navigating Strong Winter Storms Safely | SERVPRO of Hayward
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
Winter storms are a different beast around northern Wisconsin, there is no denying that. Where we live, we can almost guarantee bone-chilling cold, blizzard conditions, slippery roads, wind and sleet.
Regardless of your situation, knowing what to do and how to prepare your home can help you stay safe and avoid serious damage to your home and property.
Hunkering down and avoiding road travel is always advised when a winter storm is on the way. Heavy rain, slick roads and blizzard conditions can make travel really dangerous or even impossible.
Fire up your weather radio and start gathering supplies to ride out the storm. Blizzards and other winter weather can knock out power for a few days, so having your emergency kit well-stocked and ready to use is crucial.
Include batteries with extra flashlights, first-aid supplies, blankets and sleeping bags, safe food and water, and any sort of extra heating source or fuel that you have. Wood stoves and fireplaces can help keep you warm in an emergency situation.
You should also have a backup location in mind of where you can head to if your home does get too cold. A friend or family member’s home, a public space like a library, or a warming center are all good options.
After the storm has passed and the weather improves again, it is time to take a look at your home and make some adjustments to avoid serious damage or even prevent a safety concern for your family.
Invest in a roof rake that can help you pull heavy snow off the edges of your roof. This can help reduce your risk of suffering from ice dams, but it can also help lighten the load of snow. Did you know that heavy, wet snow can weigh up to 20 pounds per cubic foot? That’s a lot of weight bearing down on your roof that could eventually collapse under the pressure.
It is also important to check all of your vents leading from your home and remove any debris, snow or ice buildup. Blocked vents can create a dangerous situation in your home if carbon monoxide starts to build up.
If your home suffers water damage due to the impact of the storm or if your home experiences serious damage due to the heavy snow or ice dams, give us a call right away. Our team will be able to assess the situation, dry out your home and tackle repairs quickly and efficiently.
We will help restore your home to its preloss condition faster so you can get back outside and enjoy all of the fun that this wintery season has to bring.
Our team is always ready for anything! Contact us at SERVPRO of Hayward for a quick restoration after suffering damage from a winter storm.