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Safely Getting Through Winter Storms | SERVPRO of East Brownsville & South Padre Island
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
The winter season is almost upon us! SERVPRO of East Brownsville & South Padre Island has your back with these helpful tips.
Winter storms certainly throw our community for a loop. They are pretty rare, but even in the most mild winter, we can never rule them out completely. Even if we are just hit with a freezing rain, it can leave our streets a mess and our homes at risk for damage.
No matter what our Texas winter brings, the more prepared we are, the safer we can stay. When we prepare our families and our homes, we can avoid a disaster and prevent costly repairs.
When a winter storm is predicted, you want to get ready ahead of time so that you can stay off the road during the event. Heavy, cold rain can make driving very dangerous, especially if it is accompanied by thick fog.
Dig out your hurricane supplies and make sure your weather radio is in good working order. We know well that winter storms can knock out electricity, sometimes even long-term. Take a look at your other supplies and make sure you are well-stocked to stay home for a while.
You should have plenty of batteries and flashlights, as well as basic first-aid supplies. Gather up blankets and warm clothing, and consider how you will heat your home without power. If you have a generator, be sure to use it safely by following all manufacturer guidelines. Stock up on water and dry goods as well so everyone has plenty to eat and drink.
Just like during hurricane season, think about what your evacuation plans will be. If your home gets too cold, you may want to have an alternative place to stay with family or friends. Keep up with local news as well in case you need to seek out a warming shelter during the day or even overnight.
Once the storm has moved through the area, head outside to assess your property. Even if your home doesn’t have any damage, there are some steps you will want to take to make sure it stays that way.
Check your roof for potential wind damage or any debris that may have piled up during the storm. If any ice has formed and is sticking around, you want to make sure your gutters are clear so that it can quickly move off of your roof and away from your home.
Once you know your roof is good, take a walk around your home and check for potential issues with your downspouts, siding or standing water near the foundation of your house. If your gutters have disconnected, correct them so they are ready for the next rain.
Check external vents all around your house to ensure limbs or other debris haven’t blocked them. Blocked vents can create a potentially deadly situation as carbon monoxide can build up inside you home.
If the storm did leave your home damaged, call us right away. We will get a team to your home quickly in order to secure things and start your recovery. We will start removing any water as we complete an assessment on what else your home will need.
Our crew will work fast in order to get your home put back to exactly the way it should be. We want to complete restoration so you can get back to enjoying the rest of winter.
Our team is always ready for anything! Contact us at SERVPRO of East Brownsville & South Padre Island for a quick restoration after suffering damage from a winter storm.