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When Winter Storms Blow In | SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito
11/17/2023 (Permalink)
The winter season is almost upon us! SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito has your back with these helpful tips.
Since they are so rare, a winter storm can really throw our community off. We are far more accustomed to the warmer-than-average winters in Texas, but heavy, cold rains and ice can’t be ruled out during the season.
Regardless of what our winter does, when we take time to prepare, we can keep our families safe and prevent damage to our homes. Get to know what to do when a winter storm rolls through so you can avoid a disaster.
When the weather is predicted to turn cold and severe, you need to be prepared to stay indoors for a little while. Heavy, cold rains, wind and ice can create a very dangerous driving situation as the roads get wet and sloppy.
If you have hurricane supplies, get them out ahead of a winter storm. Make sure your weather radio is working well, and think about what you will need to stay safe if the electricity goes out. We know from years past that winter storms can leave us without power long-term sometimes, so making sure your emergency supplies are ready is crucial for staying safe.
Make sure you have plenty of batteries, basic first-aid supplies and flashlights. If you use a generator, make sure you have the proper fuel for it and that you are prepared to use it according to the manufacturer’s safety guidelines. Gather up blankets, warm clothing and sleeping bags in order to bundle up and stay warm.
Think about your evacuation plans as well. While your reason for leaving isn’t the same as during hurricane season, you should still talk with your family and friends about potential alternate places to stay in order to keep everyone warm.
Once the storm has blown over and you can safely get outside, give your house a good assessment to check for potential damage. Even if you don’t notice any damage from the storm, there are some things you need to do in order to make sure it stays that way.
Take a look at your roof to check for wind and rain damage. If there is any ice sticking around, break it up and make sure it can flow through your gutter system well. Check for other debris in your gutters and across your roof as well—leaves and limbs are still a common problem throughout the winter.
Once you know your roof is good, walk around your property and take note of the rest of your gutter system. Make sure everything is connected and that the exits of the downspouts are all clear. Clear debris from external vents on your home as well in order to prevent carbon monoxide build up inside.
If you do find damage outside or water starts coming in during the storm, call us right away. We are available to respond quickly and get a team out in order to assess everything your home will need to be completely restored.
We make it our goal to restore your damage quickly so that you can get outside and enjoy everything that the winter season has to offer.
Our team is always ready for anything! Contact us at SERVPRO of Harlingen/San Benito for a quick restoration after suffering damage from a winter storm.