Are You Winter Weather Ready?

12/17/2018 (Permalink)

Are you prepared for the coming
cold weather? Cold weather
can have a huge impact on
your home or business if you are not
ready for it. From heavy rain and
freezing temperatures to damaging
winds, sleet 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:

-Check your business property
for downed tree limbs and
branches. Wind, heavy rain, ice
and snow can cause branches to
fall, which could cause damage
to the property and potentially
cause personal injuries.
-Roofs, water pipes, and gutters
should all be inspected to help
ensure they are in proper order.
Gutter downspouts should be
directed away from your building.
Clear gutters of debris that may
have gathered during the fall.
Leaves and other obstructions can
cause a damming effect, which
can lead to roof damage and
interior water problems.
-Inspect property, especially
walkways and parking lots, for
proper drainage to alleviate
a potential flood hazard.
-Inspect all handrails, stairwells and
entryways to address and correct
potential slippery or hazardous
areas. Install mats or non-slip
surfaces and post caution signs
where water could be present.
-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 outdoor faucet to ensure
it drains, preventing any remaining
water from freezing in the pipe.
-Ask us about
completing an Emergency READY
Profile® (ERP) for your business.
The ERP is a no-cost assessment
of your facility and provides you
with a plan to get back in business
faster following a disaster.

When winter weather strikes, call
your local SERVPRO® Franchise
Professionals to strike back. n