• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

Sprinkler Systems

Similar to the frozen pipe risk detailed above, sprinkler systems are susceptible to freezing and damage. Since most sprinkler system pipes are installed near the ceiling (or roof), the presence of snow accumulation can reduce the air temperature around the sprinkler lines. Vacant buildings, or those seldom visited, pose a higher exposure and warrant special attention.

Snow & Your Roof

To avoid roof collapse, snow removal should begin prior to reaching the snow load limit of the roof.

For safe removal that won’t endanger you or damage your roof, consult a roofing contractor. Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) Regulations and Standards should always be followed when working on a roof.Fall protection should always be implemented when working on a roof.

A heavy duty push broom with stiff bristles or roof rake may be used to brush off the snow down the slope of the roof.

Do not pull snow back against the slope or sideways since the snow may get underneath the cover and can break shingles.

A shovel or snow blower should not be used since they may tear up the roof cover system. If you see indications that the roof is deflecting under the weight of the snow in certain areas, be sure to keep people away from those areas and seek the help of a professional snow removal expert.

Source: Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety

 

Information received at our agency by:

ServiceMaster Restoration

of Montgomery, Frederick, Howard & Washington Counties

Call (301) 972-9100, for emergency service.