Winter / Water Safety Tips

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Winter Water Safety Tips

The seasons are changing and as the days get shorter, it’s time to ready your home for the coming winter season. These four winter safety tips will help you stay warm and safe.

• Winterize Your Pipes
• During the winter, outside water can freeze and burst exterior pipes. Take precautions to prevent frozen pipes by disconnecting all garden hoses and draining any water left in outdoor spigots. If you have an automatic sprinkler system, drain it as well.
• If temperatures will drop below freezing overnight, leave exterior faucets trickling to avoid the pressure buildup that causes burst pipes. You can also avoid frozen and burst pipes inside your house by insulating your home and pipes.

• Inspect Your Roof

Before the first snowfall, check your roof for damaged, loose, or missing shingles that may leak when snow melts or during severe storms. Make sure seals around chimneys and vent stacks are intact as well. If they aren’t, you can make repairs yourself or hire a handyman.

Regularly clear your roof of snow this season. And remove all leaves, pine needles, and other roof debris as these can hold moisture and rot during winter weather if left unattended.

• Prevent Icicles and Ice Dams

Icicles look enchanting, but they present risk of injury and ice dams—which damage the outside of your home and cause meltwater to get inside. Ice dams occur when there are air leaks in your home or inadequate insulation in your attic.  If you already have icicles on your home, there’s no need to be a hero. Hiring a professional to remove them is the safest route.

• 4. Keep Your Driveway and Walkways Clear

During winter weather conditions, remove snow and ice from sidewalks and driveways. Prepare for snow by stocking up on snow shovels and giving your snow blower or plow a tune-up. After it snows, immediately plow or shovel all trafficked areas. If you go the shoveling route, invest in an ergonomic handle, lift with your legs (not your back), and push snow rather than lift it. Take frequent breaks away from the wind chill to let your body warm up and your muscles relax.

If you have any concerns about water problems – please call SERVPRO of Sussex County 302-856-976 or visit: https://www.SERVPROsussexcounty.com/