Ice Storm Safety

1/25/2023 (Permalink)

Ice storms can be dangerous if precautions are not taken.

Cold weather, especially ice, can create a challenge to property owners. When storm damage occurs, the effects can wreak havoc on your roof, siding, driveways, and walkways. Winter weather in Massachusetts can cause to frozen pipes, leaks, and other property damage.  These issues can be severe, and quick action to remedy the damage is essential to protecting your property investment.

SERVPRO of Framingham assists home owners and commercial business owners of the Greater Boston Area deal with winter storms damage. Experience with storm restoration projects have taught us that when property owners plan ahead and create an Emergency Response Plan from SERVPRO, often these steps lessen the effects of the disaster.

 There are many types of emergencies that are caused by winter storms. Know some common disasters that can effect your building before a storm arrives:

• Flooding— Freezes can damage pipes and cause them to burst, causing water damage and flooded areas that need emergency restoration. Another consideration is flooding from rivers and streams.
• Fires— Fires before a winter storm can be caused by unattended fireplaces, improperly cleaned chimneys, or space heaters plugged into overloaded outlets or left too close near flammable objects.
• Roof leaks— Roof damage can be caused by ice dams which block drainage pipes. They can also be caused by heavy snow and ice which can break through shingles. High winds from winter storms can also damage your roof, leaving your property exposed to moisture damage, which can cause mold.

What to Do if Your Property Is Damaged

Once a winter storm strikes, your property can be left facing a number of things that need fixing fast.  Use these tips to make sure the issue is dealt with in a timely manner to prevent the damage from becoming worse.

Make sure everyone is safe

When your property has experienced damage, it may make the premesis unsafe for people present. Be sure your family, tenants, and/or employees are safe. Move everyone out of any areas that are affected. Do a headcount to make sure you know where everyone is. If the property is unsafe, you may need to arrange for a temporary place for family or tenants to stay. If it is a commercial property, arrange for a place for employees to work while the property is fixed.

Turn off power and water to affected areas

Keeping water running during/after a storm may make flooding from a winter storm worse. Leaving electricity flowing could lead to electrical shocks or a fire that causes even more damage. Know where cutoff valves and breakers are located for electricity and water. Shut off the flow to damaged areas, and call your utilities companies if you need assistance.

Contact your insurance company

 Call your insurance agent to begin the process of filing a claim. Leave everything in place, except for what must be moved or secured for safety, until the adjuster comes to document what happened. Take photos of the damage.

 Remove property from damaged areas and secure the damaged area

As soon as you have documented the damage, SERVPRO of Framingham can help you move property out of the dangerous area quickly to minimize further damage. Valuables and important papers take first precedence, because they may be impossible to replace. After that, move items that you’d like to save but that can be replaced, such as furniture and electronics. Keep in mind that SERVPRO of Framingham can help restore these items as well.

If you experience damage from a winter storm, contact SERVPRO of Framingham to remedy the damage as soon as possible. Be informed of how to protect your building or home. Keep our phone number in your emergency contacts: (508) 948-9172.