Storm Preparedness in Northern Lake County, IL: Protecting Your Property

2/18/2022 (Permalink)

Icicles formed on your gutters could cause structural damage to your home. This is due to ice melting and refreezing.

During the winter months, your property could be at risk of sustaining damage from a storm.  Here are some tips to prevent property damage in the winter months.

Winterize Your Home

by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.

Insulate Water Pipes

Also, allow faucets to drip or trickle during unusually cold weather or if the power and heat are out to avoid freezing. When water freezes, it expands, and this can cause water pipes to burst. Know how to shut off water valves if a pipe bursts.

Clear Rain Gutters

repair roof leaks, check your roof to make sure it can handle the extra weight of the snow and ice, and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or neighboring structure. Keep pathways and driveways clear between storms to avoid buildup of snow piles and icing.

Install Battery-Operated Carbon Monoxide Detectors

or electric detectors with battery backups in central locations on every level of your home. This will provide an early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide, which is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and potentially deadly gas.

Hire a Contractor

to check the structural ability of your roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow and/or ice

Keep Fire Extinguishers on Hand

and make sure everyone in your home knows how to use them. If your smoke alarms get power from your home’s electrical system (hardwired), make sure the backup battery is replaced at least once a year, so your alarms will work during a power outage.

Maintain Heating Equipment

and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.

In the event your property does become damaged despite your best efforts, SERVPRO of Gurnee is here to help.  Call today for a free estimate.  We are available at 847-838-2954, 24/7/365.