Dangers of Sub-Freezing Temperatures for Homes and Businesses

1/20/2025 (Permalink)

When the temperature drops below freezing, it’s not just your comfort that’s at risk. Sub-freezing temperatures can cause significant damage to homes and businesses, often leading to costly repairs and disruptions. By understanding these risks and taking proactive steps, you can safeguard your property during the harsh winter months.

Common Risks of Sub-Freezing Temperatures

1. Frozen Pipes
   Water inside pipes can freeze, causing them to expand and potentially burst. This can lead to extensive water damage, particularly if the burst pipe goes unnoticed for hours or days.
   
   
2. Ice Dams
   When heat escapes through your roof, it can melt snow that refreezes at the edges, forming ice dams. These block water from draining properly, potentially causing leaks and damage to walls, ceilings, and insulation.
   
   
3. Structural Stress
   Heavy snow and ice accumulation on roofs and gutters can cause structural strain. In severe cases, roofs or gutters may collapse under the weight.
   
   
4. HVAC Strain
   Heating systems often work overtime during freezing temperatures, leading to potential breakdowns if the system isn’t properly maintained.
   
   
5. Slippery Walkways
   Ice on sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots can create slip-and-fall hazards for family members, employees, or customers, potentially leading to injuries or liability concerns.
   
   

Tips to Protect Your Property

1. Prevent Frozen Pipes
   
   
• Keep your thermostat set to a consistent temperature, even when you’re away.
• Allow faucets to drip slightly during extreme cold to prevent freezing.
• Insulate pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, attics, and garages.
2. Manage Roof Snow and Ice
   
   
• Use a roof rake to remove excess snow.
• Ensure your attic is properly insulated to prevent heat loss.
• Clear gutters and downspouts before winter to avoid ice dams.
3. Protect Heating Systems
   
   
• Schedule a professional HVAC inspection before winter starts.
• Replace filters regularly to keep the system running efficiently.
4. Enhance Walkway Safety
   
   
• Apply ice melt or sand to slippery areas.
• Shovel snow promptly to prevent icy buildup.
5. Prepare for Power Outages
   
   
• Have an emergency kit ready with flashlights, blankets, and non-perishable food.
• Consider a backup generator to keep your property heated during outages.

Call SERVPRO® When Winter Strikes

Even with the best precautions, winter damage can happen. Whether you’re dealing with water damage from a burst pipe, mold growth from leaks, or fire damage caused by heating system malfunctions, SERVPRO® of Newtown, Yardley, and New Hope is here to help.

Our team of experts specializes in fast, effective restoration services, ensuring your home or business is back to normal quickly. We’re available 24/7 for emergencies—because disasters don’t wait for convenient timing.

Contact us today at SERVPRO® of Newtown, Yardley, New Hope for expert help with winter damage restoration. We’ll make it "Like it never even happened."

What NOT to do during a snowstorm

1/16/2024 (Permalink)

Winter is in full swing in Bucks County and the possibility of more snowstorms becomes a reality for many communities. While the scenic landscapes like State Street in Newtown and Main Street in both New Hope and Yardley covered in snow may be enchanting, the challenges that come with a snowstorm are undeniable. To ensure the safety of your home and loved ones, SERVPRO of Newtown, Yardley, New Hope brings you a guide on "What NOT to do when there is a snowstorm coming."

1. Ignoring Weather Updates:

One common mistake people make is underestimating the power of weather forecasts. Ignoring updates and warnings about an approaching snowstorm can lead to unpreparedness. Stay informed through reliable sources and plan ahead to avoid last-minute chaos.

2. Neglecting Home Insulation:

Snowstorms often bring extreme cold temperatures. Neglecting to insulate your home properly can result in burst pipes and increased energy bills. Ensure your home is adequately insulated, and consider sealing any gaps or cracks that could allow cold air to seep in.

3. Procrastinating on Snow Removal:

Leaving snow removal until the last minute can lead to significant issues. Accumulated snow on roofs, driveways, and walkways can pose safety hazards. Invest in quality snow removal tools and promptly clear pathways to prevent accidents.

4. Overloading Electrical Outlets:

Snowstorms may cause power outages, leading to an increased reliance on generators and alternative power sources. Avoid overloading electrical outlets, as this can pose a fire hazard. Follow safety guidelines and consult professionals if needed.

5. Neglecting Emergency Preparedness:

Being unprepared for emergencies during a snowstorm is a recipe for disaster. Ensure you have a well-stocked emergency kit, including essentials like food, water, medications, and flashlights. Plan evacuation routes and communicate these plans with your family.

6. Leaving Vehicles Unattended:

Snow-covered vehicles can be a nuisance, but leaving them unattended for extended periods can result in damage and make them less reliable. Regularly clear snow off your vehicles and avoid leaving them exposed to extreme weather conditions.

7. Disregarding Health and Safety Measures:

In the excitement or stress of a snowstorm, it's easy to neglect personal health and safety. Dress warmly, take breaks during strenuous activities like snow shoveling, and be cautious when navigating icy surfaces to prevent slips and falls.

While snowstorms bring a picturesque winter wonderland, they also demand careful preparation and responsible actions. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure the safety and well-being of your home and family during the winter months. SERVPRO of Newtown, Yardley, New Hope encourages proactive measures to navigate through snowstorms with confidence and resilience. If disaster does strike, your local friends at SERVPRO® are only a phone call away.

Three Steps to Preparedness: How to prepare for the worst

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

Most people think of fires as something that only happens to other people. They never think it could happen to them. The truth is, fires can happen to anyone, and they often do. That's why it's important for every family to have a fire preparedness plan in place. In this blog post, we will discuss three steps that you can take to help your family prepare for the worst.

• Record your contents using your smart phone.

The first step is to create a home inventory. This inventory should include everything in your home that you would want to replace if it were destroyed by a fire. Taking photos or videos of your belongings is a great way to create this inventory. Be sure to store these items in a safe place, like a fireproof safe or storage unit.

Don't forget about your important documents.

If your home were to catch fire, you would lose all of your important documents if they were not properly stored. Be sure to keep copies of important documents like birth certificates, passports, and insurance policies in a fireproof safe or storage unit. You should also scan these documents and store them electronically so you can access them from anywhere.

2. Make a plan for your pets and where they'll stay.

If you have pets, it's important to make a plan for them in the event of a fire. You should designate a safe place for them to go and someone who can care for them if you are not able to. Be sure to include your pets in your evacuation drills so they are familiar with the process.

Remember, many local hotels do not allow pets. Be sure to have a record of local hotels that do allow pets so that you can have a place to stay.

3. Plan multiple escape routes.

In the event of a fire, you may not be able to use your usual entry and exit points. That's why it's important to have multiple escape routes planned. Be sure to practice these routes with your family so everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire.

By following these three steps, you can help your family be prepared for the worst. Taking the time to plan ahead can make all the difference in a fire emergency. So don't wait, start preparing today.

Your home is one of your most important investments, so protecting it against fire should be a top priority. If you have any questions about how to better prepare, your friends at SERVPRO Newtown, Yardley, New Hope are here to help!