Winter Is Here. Keep Your Home & Business Safe.

 

Winter is here, and large quantities of snow can put your home or business at risk. Here are some tips to ensure a peaceful winter season:

- Keep water away from structures. Clear snow and water from basement window wells. Create a barrier of packed snow around basement windows to prevent water from running into them. If possible, shovel snow away from building walls.

- Make sure gutters and spouts are clear. Ensure that runoff flows away from the building.

- Remove snow from doors and windows. Windows facing the wind or snow drifts may be prone to damage.

- Clear areas around exhaust pipes and air vents on heaters, furnaces and dryers.

- Watch for snow-covered trees close to buildings, since branches can break and cause damage.

- When safe, rake snow from your roof. Alternatively, hire a roofing professional to do so. Melting snow can re-freeze in the eaves, forming ice dams that interfere with drainage and crack your shingles. You can reduce the risk of ice dams by keeping the attic area cold.

- If working on the roof, use a ladder.  Have someone hold it to prevent tipping/sliding.

- Remove snow blocking roof vents.

- Icicles can indicate water drainage problems. They can also pose a hazard to anyone working below them, so knock them down before working under or near them.

- Don’t overestimate your abilities. It’s safest to do roof clearance work from the ground using proper tools.

- Watch for unexpected flooding during snow melts.

- Never leave active candles or fireplaces unattended.

- Never place space heaters near young children. Don’t run heater cords under carpets, leave them unattended, or operate them while you sleep.

- If you leave for an extended period of time, don’t turn off the heat. Frozen pipes can burst and cause serious water damage.

- If you must leave, open sink doors so warm air can get to the pipes.

- When away, have someone check on the property twice a day to make sure there is no flooding or water intrusion, that pilot lights are lit, and that refrigerators and freezers are running properly.

Vandalism Restoration: Do’s & Don’ts

Vandalism may involve spray paint on walls, defacement of furnishings, water damage, or any combination of destructive acts.  Because of its unpredictable nature, vandalism is often the most difficult type of damage to restore. Prompt action is key.

Do

- Wash any surface damaged by eggs immediately.
- Vacuum glass particles.
- Save discarded containers and spray cans, which can reveal the composition of inks and pigments.
- Save chips/fragments of broken furniture, artwork, etc.

Don’t

- Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains without professional help.

Water Damage Restoration: Do's & Don'ts

Water damage can arise from fire damage, broken pipes, weather, blocked drains or other causes. The appropriate remedy depends on the nature of the damage—if the water contains hazardous materials, for example, specialized cleanup is required. In general, restoration prospects improve with how quickly your property can be dried. This prevents mold and mildew growth. Keep these common sense measures in mind before consulting with a water damage specialist:

Do
- Immediately ventilate wet areas. In warm weather, turn on air conditioning if mold is not visible; in winter, alternate opened windows with heat.
- Sponge or blot standing water from flat surfaces.
-  Remove saturated rugs and carpets if wood floors are at risk.
- Avoid rooms where ceilings are sagging.
- Remove appliances and blow-dry them with low-pressure air.
- Open drawers and cabinet doors for interior drying.
- Freeze books and papers to prevent mold/mildew growth.
- Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs to prevent staining.
- Call a professional water damage specialist as soon as possible.

Don’t
- Never operate appliances while standing on wet floors.
- Use heat drying in unventilated spaces.
- Leave wet fabrics in place. Space them out to dry immediately.

Furnace Soot Damage Restoration: Do's & Don'ts

Furnace soot damage may resemble fire damage, but its restoration often requires different techniques. Follow these tips to ensure that restoration goes smoothly:

Do

- Change and save the old furnace filter.
- Brush or vacuum soot from upholstery and carpets.
- Cover upholstery with clean sheets before use.

Don’t

- Attempt to wash any affected surface without professional assistance.

Stay Tuned!

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