Mid – Winter Care for Your Home -From your Concerned Home Inspector

Mid – Winter Care for Your Home. – From your Concerned Home Inspector

Think about the unusual winter we’ve had for the Lower Mainland. How prepared are you for the next big snow dump or any other extreme weather.  Some roofs have collapsed under the weight of the heavy, wet snow.  Ensure such is cleared away quickly. It may be too risky to do it yourself, however.

Several areas have had power outages, that have taken days to restore, caused by  the weight of snow and ice on tree branches damaging power lines. Are you prepared for “the dark” and completely without power? Be aware of fire and health risk, especially, when candles are used.

Do you have an Emergency Preparedness Kit?      

When creating an Emergency /Survival kit, think about what you might need if you were stranded or needed to evacuate your home for up to seven days or more. Prepare your kit well in advance, and keep it in an easily accessible location, so you can take essential items with you, in case you must evacuate quickly.

Use the Boy Scouts’ motto – “Be Prepared!” Listen to the Radio or Television for warnings of an impending storm, whether snow, heavy rain and/ or strong wind, fire or any other disaster.

There are several sites on the internet that can advise you on how and what to prepare. One is https://www.travelers.com/resources/weather/emergency-preparedness/index.aspx

Communicate where you will be to those you care about and/or work closely with. Contact someone outside the affected area to tell them where you will be for the duration of the storm. Business owners should remind employees of your continuity plans, including information on how they will know if your facility is open for business, once the event has passed.

Learn how to shut off all utilities. It is always a good idea to know how to turn off the gas, electricity and water in your home or place of business; if not sure, ask us……………

Keep your vehicle fueled up. If you have an emergency generator, keep that fueled up as well, and always have spare fuel on hand that is stored in an approved container, in a safe location, outdoors.

Be sure you have car chargers for your cell phone/ smart phone and other portable devices available so they can assist you in staying in communication, when your electricity goes out.

Once danger has passed and/or you’re getting set for Spring, be sure to check for damage caused by storms, especially your roof. This should be done by a qualified Home Inspector for a thorough inspection. Large tree branches touching/or overhanging the roof can cause serious damage and also allow easy access to damaging pests. Dis-located roof flashing can also allow LEAKS.

Be safe!

“Uncovering Tomorrow’s Surprises, TODAY !”

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