What to Check Before a Winter Storm

11/5/2019 (Permalink)

Iowa winters are filled with freezing temperatures, snow, and ice. SERVPRO of Mason City recommends checking these 3 things before a winter storm hits.

• It is advised to get your fireplace chimney inspected once a year. Using a wood fireplace is a great way to get extra heat in the winter, but if not taken care of can be a fire hazard. Chimney fires can be caused by creosote, soot, and other debris that can create blockage.

• Before the start of really cold weather protect your pipes from freezing. Common water pipes to break during the cold are ones in basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Normally these are pipes that are running in a poor insulated wall or exterior wall. There are a few steps you can take to prevent them from freezing. Keep a few faucets dripping that are along exterior walls. Open your kitchen and bathroom cabinets to let in extra heat. Lastly keep the thermostat at the same temperature during the day and at night.

• Do you know where your HVAC intake and exhaust vents are located? If large amounts of snow fall it can cause these vents to be covered by the snow. If the intake vent is blocked it can cause your furnace to stall meaning you are left without heat. Exhaust vents being covered can cause toxic fumes to be pushed back into your home.

 Mason City SERVPRO is here for you if you ever experience winter damage. SERVPRO is available 24/7 with experienced technicians to make it look like it never happened.