Blizzard Tips to Protect Your Home

COLUMBIA, Md., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the mid-Atlantic region braces for its second major snow storm in less than 5 days, the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) has these tips for homeowners to help minimize any damage from melting snow and to prevent other unintended problems.

• Keeping water away from the house is important. Clear out any basement window wells of snow or water to prevent it from seeping through window frames.
• Create a barrier of packed snow around basement window wells to prevent water from running into them.
• Shovel snow away from beside the home's walls if possible to reduce water intrusion.
• Make sure that water overflowing from eavestroughs and downspouts runs away from the house.
• Remove snow from doors and windows to prevent water intrusion. Windows facing directly against the snow or wind may be more prone to heavy snow damage.
• Clear the areas around exhaust pipes and air vents on heaters, furnaces and dryers.
• Watch out for snow-covered trees close to buildings since branches can break and cause damage to nearby structures.
• Ensure that all drains and gutters are free from dirt and debris.
• Excess snow on roofs that melts quickly can freeze in the eaves and cause ice dams where the melting snow seeps under the shingles. Remove snow using a roof rake or hire a roofing professional. Insulating the attic area to keep it cold can also reduce rapid melting and the risk of ice dams.
• When the snow finally does start to melt, watch for unexpected flooding since the hard ground will not be able to absorb a lot of moisture.
• Because of fire hazards, never leave lighted candles or active fireplaces unattended.
• When using a space heater, do not place near young children, run cords under carpets or leave it unattended or operating while sleeping.
• If you leave home for an extended period of time, don't turn off the heat. (This could result in frozen pipes that could burst and cause serious water damage.)
• Open sink and vanity cabinet doors so warm air can get to the pipes.
• Have someone check on the house 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.

For more information, visit the RIA website at www.restorationindustry.org and click on the consumer

The Restoration Industry Association (formerly the Association of Specialists in Cleaning & Restoration) has member firms worldwide. RIA provides industry leadership, supports science, and promotes best practices for cleaning and restoration. More information is available on the RIA website: www.restorationindustry.org.

SOURCE Restoration Industry Association