Winter Ice Storms

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

This image shows a frozen pipe outside a house.

Cold weather poses a distinct challenge to property owners. Ice can play havoc with your roof, siding, driveways, and walkways. Iowa’s frequent freeze and thaw cycles can lead to frozen pipes, leaks, and other property emergencies.  Winter storm damage can be quite severe — and quick action to deal with the damage is essential to protecting your investment in your property.

SERVPRO of Dubuque has helped Dubuque and Tri-State area home owners, commercial business owners and property managers deal with winter storms damage. Years of storm restoration projects have taught us that when property owners plan ahead and with an Emergency Response Plan from SERVPRO of Dubuque know what to do fast, it lessens the effects of the disaster.

 There are actually many potential emergencies caused by winter storms. It’s a good idea to know some common disasters you might be up against before a storm arrives.

• Flooding— Cold snaps and freezes can damage pipes and cause them to burst, leading to water damage and flooded areas that need emergency restoration. Another consideration is flooding from thaws and refreezing rivers and streams causing Ice dams.
• Fires— Whether it’s due to unattended fireplaces, improperly cleaned chimneys, or space heaters plugged into overloaded outlets or left too near flammable objects, fires can often happen during a winter storm.
• Roof leaks— Ice dams that block drainage pipes, heavy snow and ice breaking through shingles. High winds from winter storms can also damage your roof, leaving your property exposed to moisture damage.

What to Do if Your Property Is Damaged

Once a winter storm strikes, your property can be left facing a number of things that need fixing fast.  Here’s a few tips from SERVPRO Dubuque your Storm disaster Restoration professional.

Take a Deep breath.

It’s tempting to freak out when an emergency arises.  It’s important to make good decisions. While you may need to quickly, SERVPRO of Dubuque can give you an assessment of what needs to be done.

 While you await the arrival of SERVPRO of Dubuque make sure everyone is safe.

When your property has suffered damage, it may put people on the premises at risk. So, be sure your family, tenants or employees are safe. Move everyone out of any areas that are affected. Do a headcount to make sure you know where everyone is. If the property is unsafe, you may need to arrange for a temporary place for family or tenants to stay. Also arrange for employees to work while the property is fixed.

Turn off power and water to affected areas

Often, winter storms can lead to leaks or floods from damaged roofs or burst pipes. Keeping the water running may make flooding worse, while leaving electricity flowing could lead to electrical shocks or a fire that compounds damage. With an ERP and /or Shut off tags from SERVPRO OF Dubuque you will know where cutoff valves and breakers are located. Shut off the flow to damaged areas, and call utilities companies if you need their assistance.

Contact your insurance company

 Call your agent to get the process of filing a claim started.  Leave everything in place, except for what must be moved or secured for safety, until the adjuster comes to document what happened.

 Remove property from damaged areas and secure and protect damaged area.

As soon as you have documented the damage, SERVPRO of Dubuque can help you move property out of the danger zone quickly to minimize further damage. Valuables and important papers take first precedence, because they may be impossible or very difficult to replace. Water damaged document can be dried and restored by SERVPRO. After that, move items that you’d like to save but that can be replaced, such as furniture and electronics. Keep in mind that SERVPRO of Dubuque can help restore these items as well as the building itself.

SERVPRO of Dubuque

Faster to any size Disaster

563-584-2242