Are you Ready for the Cold?

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

Cold weather can have a huge impact on your home or business if you are not properly prepared. Whether it is heavy rain, freezing temperatures, damaging winds, sleep or snow, all can cause serious and costly property damage. While you cannot control the weather, you can take steps to be prepared, and help take the sting out of winter weather.

To help prevent costly damages due to weather, consider taking the following precautions to protect your property before colder weather hits.

1.     Check your property for downed tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as heavy wind, heavy rain, ice and snow can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries.

2.     Roofs, water pipes and gutters should all be inspected to ensure they are in proper order. Gutter downspouts should be directed away from the home or business. Clear gutters of debris that may have gathered during the fall. Leaves and other obstructions can lead to a damming effect that can lead to roof damage and interior water problems.

3.     Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential.

4.     Inspect property especially walkways and parking lots for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential.

5.     Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potentially slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.

6.     Protect water pipes from freezing by simply allowing water to drip when temperatures dip below freezing. If pipes are under a cabinet, leave the cabinet doors open allowing warm inside air to circulate around the pipes. If the building has outdoor faucets, consider shutting water off at the main valve in the basement or crawl space. Once the valve is off, open the outside faucet to ensure it drains, preventing any remaining water from freezing in the pipe.