Perhaps you too have your sledge, snowboots and snow shovel ready and have already taken your skates out of the grease to enjoy the fun of snow and ice. We couldn't agree more, but hopefully you are doing so responsibly and safely. To help you prepare for this weekend's weather, this article provides prevention tips for each type of weather. Tips you can use to prevent or limit damage caused by extreme weather. After you have read this, we wish you lots of fun in the snow!
Snow and hail
- Close windows and doors and place a threshold in front of the basement, first floor and garden doors.
- Put motor vehicles and work equipment inside or under a canopy. If this is not possible, cover vehicles with blankets, bubble wrap or a special hail cover.
- Cover skylights and skylights with protective material.
- If (melt) water is not drained properly, it can cause pressure on the roof structure. Therefore, if possible, clear your roof of snow, clean your gutters, check downspouts for blockages, and check the roof of your home and commercial property for the risk of water accumulation.
Storm
- Check that roof tiles, awnings, illuminated signs, dishes, antennas, flagpoles, billboards, and so on are properly attached to your (business) property.
- Keep spare glass on hand so that broken glass can be quickly replaced to prevent greater damage.
- Put garden furniture, patio chairs and patio heaters inside, fold umbrellas and retrieve awnings.
- Remove overhanging tree branches.
- Strengthen, possibly temporarily, the vulnerable parts of the building.
- Check that fences are sturdy and support or replace vulnerable parts.
- Park vehicles in a safe place. Preferably covered and certainly not under a tree.
Frost
- Turn on the frost protection on your central heating system and radiators.
- Set your heater's thermostat to at least 15 degrees.
- Heat cold rooms or tap the pipes there if necessary.
Storm
- Install an external lightning rod and have it checked periodically.
- Connect equipment to fiber optic cable if possible.
- Have a licensed installer choose and connect the appropriate security equipment.
- During severe thunderstorms, stay indoors or shelter in a car in case of emergency.
- Do not touch metal such as fences, antenna masts and lampposts.
- Unplug plugs and cables of electrical appliances and don't forget the electrical appliances in the kitchen.
Safe on the road
Going on the road with extreme weather is not wise. So stay home and have your employees work from home. If that is not possible, urge them to adjust their driving to the weather conditions.
- Keep a distance of at least two seconds from predecessors.
- Observe the (adjusted) speed limit.
- Have employees who are frequently and frequently on the road take a skid course.
- Change summer and winter tires on time.
- Throw road salt on your property, which is often available for free through the municipality.
Flooding
Someday the snow will melt and the fun will be over. Avoid being left with a hangover as melt water causes damage.
- Keep sandbags on standby to keep out melt water.
- Put items in the basement, basement or garage on decks at least ten inches high.
- Check that any submersible pumps present are working properly.
- Make sure no large puddles of slush remain on the roof.
- Remove tiles (temporarily) around your property to allow melt water to enter the ground.
Real security
Schouten Zekerheid offers real security, even in times of snow. Do you suffer damage from extreme weather despite preventive measures? Then contact us as soon as possible. We will be happy to help you!
