Protect Your Home Now!

11/28/2021 (Permalink)

We urge Cape May and Cumberland County residents to prepare for severe weather by following these winter safety tips.

How to Protect Your Home in Severe Weather

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) says to be sure you have these things:

• Snow shovels – more than one because they can break, and four hands are better than two, if you have them
• De-icers, preferably the pet-safe type*
• Extra fuel such as firewood, a full propane tank, or a generator
• Clean blankets, pillows, warm clothing, etc., because you might not be able to do laundry for awhile
• Food and water that doesn’t require refrigeration
• Transistor radio with new batteries — and backup batteries

*When it comes to de-icers, some of the more environmentally-safe types include calcium magnesium acetate and sand to improve traction. Be sure to stock up early in the season, as they become scarce before a well-publicized storm.

How to Winterize Your Home

High winds, ice, and moisture from winter storms can easily strip off roof tiles and gutters, exposing your home to serious damage. Make sure no roof tiles are loose or missing. Do the same with your gutters and siding.  

• Check roof tiles, shutters, siding, and other exterior materials to ensure they’re secure
• Seal air leaks around the home to keep it warmer (and save energy costs)
• Insulate all exposed plumbing pipes to prevent burst pipes
• Trim tree branches away from your roof to prevent roof damage

Clean Your Gutters.

If you don’t, you risk an ice dam. What’s an ice dam? Ice dams occur when ice melts off the roof during the day and then re-freezes as it drips into a clogged gutter. This can force water back under the roofline and cause serious leaks, often thousands of dollars in damage!

Overgrown tree branches are a risk to your home, vehicles, and loved ones. But trimming and removal can be dangerous, too, so don’t attempt it on your own. Best to hire a professional!

Insulate Your Pipes.

Buy foam insulation to cover your pipes. Invest in a temporary patch kit in case you need it later in the season. While you’re insulating your pipes, remind yourself where all water shut-off valves are so you can turn off the water supply in case of any leaks.

NOW you’re ready for a snow day, but if you find yourself with winter storm or severe weather damage, read more HERE for important tips to help. We're here 24/7, 365 days a year to make it, "Like it never even happened."