{This|The 2015} winter has been {a brutal|a freezing|an unbearable} time for {many|most|the majority of} states in the Northeast, with much of the U.S. {impacted|affected} by the Arctic Blast and {colder than normal|chilly|bone-chilling} temperatures reaching 20 to 35 degrees below average. {Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Massachusetts|Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island|Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire} and surrounding states have been {overwhelmed|engulfed|blasted} by {ice, snow, rain, wind|snow, rain, ice, wind|snow, ice, rain, wind} and freezing weather causing {property damage and power outages|power outages and property damage}. Even Florida, a state known for its {suntanning|humid|warm and sunny|sunny and warm} environment, is facing {chilly|colder} weather in the 20 degree range, which is {almost hot|much warmer} compared to the {below freezing|negative} temperatures felt by {locations|places|cities} like Boston.
A {large|big|huge} {issue|problem} is when consistent snow builds {during a long period of time|overtime}, which {forms into|turns to} ice and “weighs about eight times more” than snow, according to Garrick Goldenberg, a {professor at Wentworth Institute of Technology|Wentworth Institute of Technology professor}.* {This|This accumulation} can {result in|lead to} “ice dams” – {thick ice that forms|thick ridges of ice that form} along the eaves of the roof. {The|When ice dams form, the} freezing and thawing cycle during the {winter|winter season} causes water to {back up on roofs, seep into homes, and damage|back up and seep into homes, damaging} {ceilings, walls|walls, ceilings}, insulation, {furnishings, and floors|floors, and furnishings}. This {could cause|can then lead to} mold and severe health {risks|risks for humans}. Heavy {snow|snowfall} has continued for the {last few days|past week} with snow {forming|piling} on top of homes, businesses and other properties causing {hundreds of|many} roofs to collapse just in the Boston area alone. *WCVB.com
{Experts at Paul Davis have|Paul Davis has|Paul Davis experts have} been working around the clock to help the thousands of calls received from homeowners, insurance agents and adjusters, property managers and others needing help with {residential and commercial|commercial and residential} building {damage|destruction}.
{Here|Below} are a few Extreme Cold Weather Tips to prevent your {house or office|house or property|house or commercial building} from getting damaged:
- Scrape the snow off your roof as {much|frequently} as possible to prevent ice dams from forming.
- {Utilize|Use} fireplaces, wood stoves and space heaters.
- Practice safety by checking ventilation, using fireplace {screens|glass doors|screens or glass doors} and monitoring your fire extinguishers and {smoke|smoke and carbon monoxide} detectors.
- Create a Fire Escape Plan and practice with your {loved ones|family|family or roommates}.
- {Avoid|Eliminate} frozen pipes.
- Wrap all pipes with {heat tape, insulation|insulation, heat tape} or newspapers to keep moisture out.
- Drip {every faucet|all faucets} in the home or property.
- For already frozen pipes, {turn each faucet on|open each faucet} and pour hot water over pipes or {you can use|use} a hair dryer.
- Keep an Emergency Kit {around|handy}.
- The {best type of|ideal|best} kit contains emergency contacts, {insurance information|insurance and doctor information}, a 3-day supply of {water and food|food and water}, medications, toiletries, weather radio with batteries, blankets, flashlights and {other needed items|necessities}.
- Use {an|this} Family Emergency Plan to keep your {family|loved ones} safe: http://locations.pauldavis.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/wp_EmergencyPlan_form-reduced.pdf
- Check on your {neighboring homes|neighbors and their homes}, especially if they are elderly, disabled, or living alone.
We {hope|are confident} these {chilly|cold} weather tips will keep you safe from harm as you {stay warm|bundle up} during this chilly winter. If you do encounter {damage to your property|property damage}, please do not hesitate to Call Paul! We are here to {help|assist} you with multiple property damage services including water, fire, wind and storm damage to any type of residential or commercial building, including the furnishings and contents inside. Every Paul Davis {professional|expert} is certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning Restoration Certification) and {there for you|available with} 24/7 response.
Resources:
http://www.wcvb.com/weather/icy-rainy-weekend-storm-could-add-to-massachusetts-roof-dangers/31338328
http://www.weather.com/storms/winter/news/arctic-blast-record-lows-midwest-south-northeast
http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/emergencies/cold/
http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Top-Ten-Red-Cross-Cold-Weather-Safety-Tips