Winter Storms Damages

10/15/2017 (Permalink)

the amount snow that a Snow Storm could bring during winter time.

The evidence of the effects of Climate Change have been more noticeable than ever this year. If we think about it Harvey, Maria, Jose, and Katia, etc. are not exactly names on a new year student's list. Instead, they remind us of the destruction and fear that this year's hurricane season, one of the most active in decades, have left us (Not only in the US, but in the Caribbean and Central America too). Even though the Hurricane season is not over yet, it is about time for us to start thinking about the possible effects of Climate Change for the upcoming winter season and how we can prepare for them.

It is really hard to predict how this winter is going to be, how climate change may affect the amount of snow that we will get, and how many snow storms or blizzards we are going to have. The truth is, it is always smart to be prepare for all the scenarios, know what to do, and who to call in case of an emergency due to the extreme weather conditions. It is important to remember that a winter storm can change from moderate snowfall to severe blizzard conditions in a small time frame. Low temperatures, black ice, power outages, pipe bursts, strong winds, large amounts of snow on the roof that can cause structural damage, and flooding due to melting snow are some of the treats to keep in mind when thinking about how to prepare for the winter season.

There are some considerations to take in order to protect your family and your property from the different kinds of dangers caused by a snow storm.

Before the Snow:

• Avoid to travel, but prepare your car in case you need to go. Some items to have in your car are : A battery-powered radio with extra batteries, a windshield scraper, some water and snacks, warm blankets (Also, a coat, a hat, and gloves), road salt and cat litter, booster cables, a first aid kit, a shovel, a portable cellphone charger, and make sure to fill your tank with gas before the storm.
• Prepare an emergency kit (Make sure to have enough food, water, and safety supplies for the whole family and pets. At least for a week). Some items to have are: canned food, drinking water, can opener, first aid kit, prescription medicine, and a flash light with extra batteries, sanitary wipes, a radio, and any special supplies depending on the needs of your family.
• Prepare your home. Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from furniture, make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work, always use generators outside, insulate windows and doors, avoid the use of candles and try to use flashlights, keep cabinets open to allow heated air around the pipes, if possible wrap pipes with insulation or newspaper, fill the bathtub with water, and prepare your basement if you think there is a possibility of flooding due to the melting of snow.

During the Snow:

• Make sure to stay indoors and only go outside if it is necessary, if you do make sure to keep multiple layers of warm and dry clothes to keep heat in. Also, communicate with family, friends, and neighbors through text messages to minimize network congestion and keep your phone charged. Watch the news or listen to the radio for updates. Allow a small amount of water to drip continuously from all water taps, keep refrigerator doors closed to maintain temperature and preserve the food in there, stay dressed and warm at all times, and make sure your pets are inside and safe as well.

After the Snow:

• If you took all the necessary measures to prevent damages due to Mother Nature conditions, more than likely you, your family, and your property will be safe and getting ready to get back to your normal routine. The problem is that sometimes things do not go as planned and an unexpected pipe bursts, some flooding, some damage from your roof, or a fire can alter how soon you will return to your daily activities. This is when you should know who to call to restore your property. If you have any of these emergencies do not hesitate to give us a call. We are here to understand your needs and we are open 24/7 to make sure that your home looks "Like it never even happened." We are SERVPRO of Dover/Stillwater (973-810-2825) and we have a highly trained team ready to answer to any kind of emergency that you have.