How to Protect the Home/Business from Ice Storms

In recent weeks, many parts of the U.S. have faced severe winter weather. Low temperatures, high winds and freezing precipitation have brought many businesses, schools and government agencies to a standstill. In Houston and southeast Texas, temperatures can swing from unseasonably warm to shockingly cold in a matter of days. Unlike their neighbors to the North, many Texans find themselves unprepared for such extreme conditions. However, home and business owners can take steps to prevent the worst damage that a sudden cold snap can cause.

Plants

Many outdoor plants, especially those raised in warmer climates, are especially susceptible to cold temperatures. Cloudy skies cut down on the sunlight upon which plants rely for growth. Frozen precipitation weighs down their branches and can cause severe damage. Homeowners can cover their large outdoor plants with sheets, plastic bags or cloth sacks to keep them dry and insulated from the worst conditions, while bringing the smaller plants indoors.

Pipes

Frozen water in the plumbing system can be a major concern for homeowners. Although the rest of the house may be toasty and warm, the pipes that run through the attic, basement, and walls are still vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Homeowners should cover the pipes in the colder parts of the house with insulation. Opening the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors can provide warm air around the pipes to keep the water inside from freezing. A slow drip from the faucets can also keep the water flowing.

Pets

Despite their built-in fur coats, most domestic pets are not equipped to deal with freezing temperatures. Pet owners should bring their animals indoors whenever feasible. If the owners cannot bring the pet indoors, they should make sure that the animal has access to food and water that will not be obstructed by ice and snow. They should also provide a dry and draft-free enclosure to protect the animal from high winds and freezing precipitation.

Paths

Ice and snow can turn sidewalks, driveways, porch steps and other hard surfaces into virtual ice rinks. Pedestrians can slip and fall on these slick surfaces, which can leave the homeowner or business owner liable for injury lawsuits. Applying a layer of sand or salt to frozen surfaces can break up the ice and provide traction for those brave souls walking through the cold weather. Salt acts to drop the freezing point of the surrounding water, while sand provides enough grit to give pedestrians adequate traction to prevent slippage.

Power

Another major concern that ice storms can bring is the danger of falling power lines. The weight of accumulated ice can add several hundred pounds to a high-tension power line, causing it to snap and fall. Tree branches weighed down with snow and ice can also sever power lines. Business owners may face temporary closures and monetary losses until power is restored, while homeowners should prepare for days without lights, television or refrigeration.

People

The most important aspect of winter storm preparation lies in protecting yourself and those closest to you. People should dress in layers at all times, with a cotton T-shirt closest to the skin and successive layers of sweaters, sweatshirts, jackets and coats for the upper body. Tights or “long johns”, along with warm wool or cotton socks, will insulate the lower body. The biggest source of heat radiation comes from the top of the head, so a hat, hooded sweatshirt or scarf over the head will prevent a great deal of body heat loss.

The accomplished legal professionals at Arguello Law Firm realize that severe winter weather conditions can bring the potential for personal injuries. Our attorneys are ready to help you get the highest level of injury compensation possible. If you would like to learn how we can help you, contact our firm today at 1-888-CLAIM-68 (1-888-252-4668). If you want to start the process right away, complete and submit the confidential “Free Case Evaluation” form at the top of this page. We look forward to handling your case.

Sources:

http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather

http://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-for-a-Winter-Storm

http://money.cnn.com/2007/02/08/pf/saving/toptips/index.htm?postversion=2007020811

http://www.kiplinger.com/article/insurance/T029-C001-S003-...