Preparing for Strong Winter Storms

12/15/2023 (Permalink)

The winter season is almost upon us! SERVPRO has your back with these helpful tips.

The winter season is a different beast around the Midwest, and the Detroit area is certainly vulnerable to strong winter storms and debilitating conditions from time to time. Subzero temperatures, strong wind and heavy snow can create dangerous situations for all of us at this time of year. 

Regardless of the strength of the storm, preparing ahead of time and knowing what to do afterward can help you avoid more serious damage to your home and property. 

Getting Ready Around Your Home 

The road conditions can quickly deteriorate around our community, so we always advise avoiding travel when a storm is in the area. Ice, sleet and heavy snow can make travel really difficult or even impossible. 

Stay home and get your emergency kit ready to weather the storm. Heavy snow and blizzard conditions can cause power outages for hours or even days, so preparing ahead of time can help you stay safer and warmer. 

Track down your extra flashlights, first-aid supplies, blankets and safe drinking water and food and store it all in an easily accessible area. You should also have a reliable way of keeping you warm in case the power goes out, like a fireplace on standby. 

While these measures may be helpful in the short term, it simply may just become too cold in your home to remain there while you wait for the power to come back on. Have a few different locations in mind as backups to head to if you get too cold at home, like a friend’s home or a local warming center. 

Assessing Your Home 

Once the storm has blown on and it is safe to move about your home, it is time to take a look at your property. Strong wind and heavy snow can cause all sorts of issues for your home. 

If we get a lot of snow, grab your roof rake or a shovel and pull the snow off of the edges of your roof. Heavy, wet snow can weigh up to 20 pounds per cubic foot, which can certainly build up over time and cause serious cave-in concerns. 

If the storm that came through brought strong wind, you should also be checking on your vents around your home. Drafts can build up along the side of your home and block important vents from working properly. Clear away these drifts and chip away any ice buildup to ensure any carbon monoxide can safely escape your home. 

Recovering After Storm Damage 

Storms can cause all sorts of damage to your property, which can lead to further issues if it isn’t taken care of right away. Ice dams can eventually lead to water damage or serious structural damage can occur if a part of your roof suffers damage due to the weight of excess snow. 

However, if your home damage happens, we can help you recover. Our team will secure your home, address any immediate cleaning needs and then tackle your repairs. We will help you recover faster and more efficiently! 

Our team is always ready for anything! Contact us at SERVPRO® for a quick restoration after suffering damage from a winter storm.