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Post-Storm Recovery
The winter storm has passed—what's next? Navigating post-storm recovery can seem daunting but assessing your property damage is a crucial first step. Identify urgent repairs versus those that can wait until spring or later.
It's also a great time to connect with family and neighbors, offering support and fostering community spirit. If you need assistance with tasks around your home, consider reaching out for help. Communities often come together after storms, with neighbors and organizations ready to lend a hand.
Clearing Snow Safely
Whether you've gotten a foot of snow or it is up to your roof, it is important to clear the snow from your property after a storm. Snow that is left on walkways and driveways can get compacted and turn to ice, causing an even more dangerous situation when you need to walk around your property.
Even if you're in good health, it's important to take it easy when removing snow, as it's likely an unfamiliar activity. Using the right techniques can prevent back injuries, and being mindful helps avoid overexertion, which can reduce the risk of a heart attack.
Here are some tips for snow removal:
Push the snow instead of lifting it when possible, especially if it is wet and heavy.
If lifting is necessary, opt for a small shovel, move only a small amount of snow at a time, and lift using your legs to avoid back strain.
Remove snow from sidewalks and driveways Consider using salt or sand to tackle ice and improve traction.
Make sure mailboxes and fire hydrants can be accessed.
Clear snow from around your house so that when it melts, it won’t lead to water seeping into your home or basement.
You'll also want to assess how much snow has accumulated on your roof after a storm. Letting snow thaw and refreeze can significantly increase the weight on your roof, risking damage or collapse. The freeze-thaw process can also let water get under your shingles, pulling them up and causing leaks.
Using a roof rake is the safest and most convenient way to clear snow from your roof, allowing you to stay securely on the ground. Be sure to wear protective headwear and eyewear, especially if you are dealing with icicles. Removing the snow from your roof can help prevent ice dams, which can block melting snow from dripping off your roof, leading to pooling.
Checking Your Property for Damage
Inspecting Your HomeSometimes, it is hard to know the extent of the damage to your property until weeks or months after a storm. A broken window and a flooded basement are obvious, but you might not be aware of damp insulation that lets mold infiltrate until much later.
You'll want to thoroughly inspect your home after a storm. This would include inspecting the roof, pipes and heating system. If you don't know what to look for, engage the assistance of a professional to do the inspection for you.
If you think there might be damage to your roof, it would be helpful to call a roofing inspector. In addition to checking for damage to the shingles, they can check the seals around chimneys or skylights and remove any ice blockage from the gutters or downspouts.
If you have storm damage, contact your insurance agent and document all issues in case you need to submit a claim. Your insurance company will likely want to send out their own inspectors to see the damage for themselves.
Other PropertyBeyond your home, you will want to check that the trees around your property have not sustained any storm damage. Tree limbs can be damaged by high winds, ice and heavy snow, and you don't want to leave them to fall on the next windy day.
Additionally, take a moment to check your cars parked in the driveway, as hail or ice might have caused some damage.
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Traveling After a Storm
Even after a storm has passed, roads can be treacherous for drivers, and it is best to avoid driving as much as you can.
If you must drive, be on the lookout for potholes, fallen trees and other road hazards. After roadways have been cleared of snow, there can be patches of black ice, so it is best to drive at a reduced speed and use caution, especially on turns and hills.
This information is being provided for general informational purposes only. The Auto Club Group does not assume any liability in connection with providing this information.
