SERVPRO of Crowley and South Johnson County reminds the local community that winter storm damage in Glen Rose, TX, can occur suddenly and with little warning. The unexpected winter cold snap in February of 2021 put the hazards of winter storms on display. Temperatures plummeted to -2 degrees Fahrenheit and stayed well below freezing for days, and over four million people were without power when the power grid collapsed. Frozen water pipes caused massive water damage disasters in thousands of unprotected homes. Many house fires resulted from homeowners trying to stay warm by using heat sources unsuitable and unsafe for use in an enclosed environment.
When the weather outside is frightful, the homeowner needs to minimize potential risks. To help homeowners and their families stay safe, the team of professionals at SERVPRO of Crowley and South Johnson County is sharing the winter storm checklist outlined below.
Preparing the Inside of the Home
The Glen Rose, TX, resident who has already winterized the home is ahead of the game should temperatures fall precipitously. When confronted with unusually cold temperatures, here are several steps to take that will further reduce the risk of storm damage resulting from cold, wintry weather.
- When the temperature goes down, turn the thermostat up. The home’s temperature should be kept at 65 degrees to keep pipes from freezing.
- Check the location for the main water shutoff in the home. Be familiar with how the valve operates.
- Let the hot and cold faucets drip slowly. In sub-zero temperatures, water freezes rather quickly, but a small water flow will most likely keep the pipes from freezing. Do not worry about wasting water. If four faucets are set to drip at four drops per second for twenty-four hours, only about twenty gallons of water will be lost. However, if a pipe bursts, as many as seven gallons of water per minute will flood into the home. A burst pipe will waste over 400 gallons of water per hour and over 10,000 gallons of water in a twenty-four-hour period.
- Check the wood stove, fireplace, and electric heaters to ensure that they are in proper working order. Keep combustible items such as paper, decorations, and clothing a safe distance from the heat sources.
- Check to make sure the fireplace flue is closed when the fireplace is not in use.
- Have a neighbor or friend check the house on a regular basis if it is going to be left vacant for any length of time. A burst pipe can drain ten thousand gallons of water into a home per day.
Preparing the Outside of the Home
- Ensure that the gutters are not clogged with leaves, sticks, and other debris. Clear gutters will allow for the free flow of water from melting snow and ice.
- Not much snow falls in North Dallas during the winter. When snow and ice do accumulate, keep sidewalks and entrances free from the wintery mix.
- If the power grid is still in service, run the swimming pool pump when the temperatures are expected to drop below freezing. This action will prevent the water in the system from freezing and bursting pipes.
- Check the garage door to make sure it is closed. This action will prevent the house from losing heat through the attached garage.
- Check the treescape for damaged, diseased, or dangerous limbs and branches.
Secure the services of a bonded, insured, and licensed tree service to remove problem limbs, branches, and trees. A professional tree surgeon can identify and solve issues that may arise during a winter storm.
When Winter Storms Strike
- Check relevant homeowners policies to make sure coverage extends to those circumstances that arise when a frigid storm front blasts through North Texas.
- Winterize pipes when there is little danger of a deep freeze. If pipes freeze and burst, turn off the water at the main valve. Turn off the electricity to the water heater to prevent the unit from being damaged.
- In the event of a property damage disaster resulting from burst pipes, roof damage, or a fire, contact the flood damage restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Crowley and South Johnson County. The team is ready to respond 24/7, 365 days a year, including holidays and during winter storms.
To learn more about Glen Rose, TX, flood damage restoration, contact SERVPRO of Crowley and South Johnson County by email at office@servprocrowley.com or call the office at (817) 297-8588.
