A major snowstorm can be beautiful to behold. The world goes quiet and gets covered in a blanket of pure white. However, a major snowstorm can leave behind more than accumulated snow. Property owners may need to address blocked entrances, icy surfaces, fallen branches, roof concerns, and drainage issues. This can seem like a lot to deal with. It is best to take a systematic approach after the storm. This can help identify hazards and prevent additional damage. Let’s walk through what to do after the storm, so you know what to do next time a blizzard comes through town.
Wait Until Conditions Are Safe
Immediately after a storm, conditions are usually not safe. Make sure to follow local emergency and travel advisories when applicable. If the government does not believe it safe to be outside, it probably isn’t. Avoid unnecessary travel or outdoor activity immediately after a major storm. This gives utility crews and emergency responders room to work. Even being in your own yard can be dangerous. Make sure to wait long enough for falling branches, unstable snow, ice, and other hazards to settle. Once conditions are safe, you can move onto the next steps on this list.
Inspect Your Property for Damage
First things first, check on your property. A major storm can seriously devastate a house or other building. You want to walk your property and look for:
● Damaged trees and branches
● Roof damage
● Downed power lines
● Damaged fences
● Cracked pavement
● Damaged gutters and drainage systems
Make sure to document visible major damage with photographs for insurance or maintenance records. For lesser damage, make a checklist. You can use this to work your way through any repairs or maintenance tasks you can handle on your own.
Clear Entrances, Walkways, and Access Points
It should be a top priority to clear access into and out of your home. This involves removing accumulated snow from entrances and commonly used walkways. Pay particular attention to stairs, ramps, and sidewalks. When snow is not removed from these areas, they become an ideal place for slips to occur, leading to injury. Next, clear pathways to important areas such as utility equipment and trash collection points. This ensures that municipal services can reach the places they need access to. While doing all of this, be sure to watch for ice underneath or beneath newly fallen snow. You do not want to get injured.
Address Snow and Ice in Parking Areas
Once access points are open, it is time to clear parking lots, driveways, and other vehicle-access areas. Avoid simply pushing snow into locations where melting snow could create drainage problems. You need to think strategically and carefully consider where large snow piles will be placed. Think about where people park and walk, then place snow piles out of the way of these areas. This can save you from some serious headaches later. You only want to have to move snow once.
Make Sure Drainage Areas Are Clear
Few things are more damaging to a home than water. For this reason, when clearing snow, pay careful attention to drains, catch basins, and other drainage points. Make sure they are free from snow and ice. This will ensure melting snow has a place to go later. Be especially careful when shoveling not to cover these areas. There is nothing worse than being excited that the snow is finally melting, only to realize it’s causing flooding in your house. Remember, proper drainage is one of the most important aspects of protecting your home, as water damage is extremely expensive to repair.
Know When to Call a Professional Snow Removal Service
Know your limits. If you are elderly, have a health condition, or even have a large property, it might be best to hire snow removal services. They will be able to expertly and quickly clear the ice and snow from your home. Not to mention, hiring experts will give you more time to enjoy the nicer parts of a snowstorm.
