Potential Damages Caused By Winter Storms.
During a winter storm you may experience:
A Collapsed Roof Or Roof Leaks. This can be due to heavy snow and ice on the roof. Collapsed roofs may also be caused by strong winds that blow trees or power poles onto the roof. Strong winds can blow shingles off of roofs and cause leaking. Large hail, particularly on older or weakened roofs can lead to leaks and damages.
Floods. Floods may occur from large amounts of rain, but in the winter it is more common to have flooding caused by burst pipes. Cold snaps will cause pipes to freeze and thaw, damaging the pipes.
Fire. When a winter storm hits, people may want to turn on a space heater, but do not put the space heater next to any flammable or explosive materials. Overloaded sockets can also cause fires in the home, as can use of a chimney that has not been cleaned or that was cleaned improperly.
What To Do During And After A Winter Storm
Remain Calm. It’s common to panic during emergency situations, but try your best to keep a level head and think practically. It’s better to take a moment to clear your head rather than rush into unsafe situations.
Check-In On Those In The Building. Whether you are in a residential space or commercial one, if a winter storm has compromised the building in any way it poses potential risks. Move people away from affected areas and do a headcount to ensure everyone is accounted for. If the building is no longer safe, move everyone to a different location.
Turn Off Power And Water To Damaged Areas. If your house or office building is experiencing flooding, turning the electricity off will stop currents from running through the flood water and potentially harming someone. If your home is experiencing other difficulties, such as freezing pipes or a damaged roof, shut off the water to limit any potential flooding. Call the utility company to assist if you need aid.
Call Your Insurance Provider. After the danger has passed and everyone is safe, you’ll want to get your insurance claim started right away. Unless something needs to be moved for the safety of those in the building, or if there are important items that need to be moved to keep them safe (such as important forms), leave everything where it is until your adjuster can record it. Ask the insurance company what documentation (such as photos) they might need.
Record Any Loses. This can include damages to the building itself, but it can also include personal or business possessions, including important documents, furniture, valuables, or more. Recording your losses will help later when you’re making an insurance claim and it can help you replace everything after the storm has passed. If you are able, take photos of the damage for your insurance claim.
Save All Documentation. Everything you’ve recorded until now as well as anything the insurance company has given to you all has to be saved. This includes the list you made and the photos you took, as well as any videos, estimates, invoices, claims, receipts, or other records relating to the storm damage. Save copies if you can, and keep everything together and organized, either as hard copies or digital ones.
Call A Restoration Service. If you’ve suffered damage from a winter storm, call a restoration company that offers 24/7 on-call service. During a winter storm you may experience flooding, roof collapses, or fire damage. If you have experienced any of these, a restoration company will be able to perform a safe and professional cleanup. Having a restoration company involved is especially important for insurance claims. Don’t try to clean flooded basements by yourself, as it may contain sewage water that is hazardous to your health.
24/7 Restoration Is Here To Fix Your Calgary Storm Damage
When disaster strikes, try to stay calm with the knowledge that there are professionals ready to help. The best way to salvage a damaged area is to promptly call a restoration expert for a professional storm damage cleanup so they can recover as much as possible. At 24/7 Restoration, we know the devastating impact that storm damage can cause to both the property and the mental well-being of those who live there and we make it our mission to be accessible and responsive so that your damages can be remedied quickly. Our methodical Calgary cleanup team will get your home restored quickly. When you need storm damage cleanup, call 24/7 Restoration at 1-403-247-4365 or fill out our contact form.
FAQ
Q: Is there any way to guarantee my basement won’t flood?
A: There are preventive steps you can take to reduce the risk of flood damage: shovel snow away from your house, remove snow and ice from, clear the drains, and check your sump pump. These are all great preventative measures but there’s no way to guarantee your house won’t flood. Having a sump pump with a secondary power source and knowing the 24/7 Restoration team is accessible and responsive 24 hours a day, 7 days a week can help put your mind at ease.
Q: What are the risks if a roof collapses after a winter storm?
A: A collapsed roof can mean serious structural failure and potential damage to gas lines and wiring. If your roof collapses, do not go back into the house. Call 911 and follow their instructions.
Q: Why are pipes likely to freeze during a winter storm when they’re normally fine in the Calgary climate?
A: Even if the winter storm doesn’t entail weather that’s much colder than you’re used to, it can cause power outages. This can cause gas furnaces and the water to shut off and, if the water is not flushed out of the pipes, they can easily freeze, leading to bursts.
