Preparing For Winter Storms In Ohio

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Wise homeowners here in Ohio will be thinking about preparing their homes and property for the coming winter storm season; they know that extreme weather can lead to power outages and disruption of communications, as well as damage of personal and business property and belongings. 

Here are some essential safety tips to help while preparing for winter storms in Ohio:

• Landscaping. Trim all bushes and trees, and be sure to remove dead trees, tall bushes, and broken branches from around your home. These can fall and cause injury and damage the roof of your house during extreme weather involving wind, ice, or heavy snow accumulation. Windows are also vulnerable here. 
• Gutters. Clear any clogged rain gutters. Melting snow and heavy rain need to be able to flow down your rain gutters and away from your roofing. Dirt and debris left in your gutters will force the water to pool and back up into your walls and attic, and possibly even cause structural issues. Such damp conditions in unreachable interior spaces can lead to mold growth, causing a need for mold removal in addition to any storm damage. A rain gutter that is full of debris is already going to be heavy, and when water weight is added it can tear away from the building, creating another set of issues for you to have to deal with. 
• Heating. Have your chimney and all heating equipment inspected and cleaned before winter and then again when winter is over, to prevent future fires. Your HVAC system also needs to be inspected, and all ducts clear and ready for use, replacing filters and older parts, as well. If you will be using space heaters, make sure they are in good shape and also that everyone in the house knows the proper way to use them. They should never be left on if there is no one in the room. 
• Travel. Winter storms in Ohio can make travel difficult, and sometimes it even becomes impossible. Make sure you have stocked up on necessary supplies, such as personal items, canned goods, batteries, warm clothing and blankets, and medical supplies, just in case you get snowed in or flooding happens in your area. 

Our team here at SERVPRO of Huron and East Seneca Counties cares about your safety and the safety of your loved ones and your property. We are here to help if you experience damage due to flooding or extreme weather conditions, and we handle fire damage, too. Our team is skilled in mold prevention and remediation, and we can get your home or business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, as well. Ask us how!