Establishing “Why” Since 1966
28 million people in 7 states are in the areas currently experiencing blizzard like conditions today through Wednesday with deep snow accumulations and hurricane like winds as Winter Storm Juno approaches. In addition to heavy snowfall,
Winter Storm Juno is expected to bring multiple day long power outages throughout the Northeast due to the expected wind gusts of up to 55mph along with severe coastal flooding and property damaging beach erosion. These freezing conditions can be devastating for your family, any pets, all vehicles, as well as your home. Forensic Analysis & Engineering Corp. offers the following tips to help you prepare and be ready for dangerous winter conditions.
When preparing for Winter’s Blasts, the first step is to create an emergency kit containing rock salt, sand, snow shovels, heating fuel, batteries, flashlights, food, water, heat capturing clothing and blankets to keep everyone warm. The second step is to bring pets inside. If you are cold, so are your pets. Keep your cellular phones fully charged in the event of a power outage. Next, you should stay put. Stay off the roadways and listen to a NOAA radio for weather updates.
An important step that people often neglect is winterizing their vehicle. Check the antifreeze level, battery fluid levels and conditions, ignition system, oil level, windshield wipers, fluid levels in your washer reservoir and air pressure in all tires. Finally, make sure the gas tank is full to keep the fuel lines from freezing by reducing space for natural condensation.
Finally, always remember to winterize your home. Winterizing your home includes cutting away tree branches that could scrape against or fall on your home, insulate water lines and gas pipes and allow faucets to drip a little to avoid freezing. Make sure the home is properly insulated. If you do not have storm windows, one way to keep the cold out is to cover them with plastic.
After the storm you should inspect your home to assess any damage. If you do find burst water lines, turn off the main supply line to the leak. Do remember that the pipes could have failed due to poor installation, or improper design. Secondly, many homes especially older homes with low pitch cannot withstand heavy snow loads which can result in wall and ceiling separations and cracking. Examine your interior walls and attic for stressed induced cracks and separations. These losses can be brought on by heavy snow and ice fall, or by improper installation or design.
Forensic Analysis & Engineering’s Structural and Civil Engineers can perform detailed investigations of your home or commercial building to determine why the failure occurred and at the same time advise you how to prevent it from occurring again in the future. FAEC provides clear, concise, and unbiased reports to give you the information you need to resolve your loss. To find out more or to submit an investigation request, visit our website at www.forensic-analysis.com.
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