SERVPRO of South Nashville: Ice Storms Precaution

3/23/2021 (Permalink)

Ice storms are caused by freezing rain, which occurs when raindrops fall from a warm layer of air into air that is below freezing and become supercooled. When the supercooled drops hit a surface that’s below 0º, they freeze instantly and form a layer of ice. While those glistening, ice-coated trees might look beautiful from the comfort of your heated home, ice storms can lead to widespread power outages and cause serious damage to homes, trees, and power lines. Learn more about how to prepare your home and life to stay safe from damages once an ice storm rolls through town.

Before an Ice Storm Hits

The heavy build-up of ice can break tree branches, down power lines, and damage homes and cars. Other dangers include hypothermia, fires and carbon monoxide poisoning, which can occur from people using alternative heating sources during periods of extended power failures.

If an ice storm warning has been issued, prepare yourself before it arrives. Make sure you have emergency supplies for you and your family to last at least 72 hours. You should also do the following:

• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings.
• Listen to the radio or TV for weather advisories and warnings.
• Fill up your car’s gas tank.
• Prepare an emergency supply kit with basic supplies including food, water, a flashlight, battery-operated radio and extra batteries.

What to Do After an Ice Storm

After the storm has passed, you might be tempted to get out of the house to salt your sidewalks or go to the store to re-stock your supplies. Consider these tips before leaving the house after an ice storm:

• Watch out for falling ice, branches, and power lines. Even hours after the freezing rain has stopped, ice, branches, and power lines can continue to break and fall down. Avoid walking or driving under trees or anything else that could be coated with ice and stay away from downed power lines.

• Check for a buildup of ice on your roof. Ice dams can do serious damage to your home, and they shouldn’t be ignored. If you notice a buildup of ice or snow on your roof, consider hiring a professional to safely remove it.

Calling the Pros When Ice Storm Damage Occurs

If you spot downed powerlines or tree branches nearby when you’re inspect your property and the immediate surroundings for damage, it’s best to not go near them at all. If the ice cracks part of your infrastructure and melts, it could lead to extensive water damage on your property that will need to be remediated immediately to keep mold from growing. If you have encountered this scenario or something similar, make sure to call SERVPRO South Nashville at (615) 331-0200 for an immediate consultation.