Your New Jersey property can survive winter with these tips for a safe season.

1/7/2019 (Permalink)

Preparing your New Jersey property for winter can help prevent ice dams, frozen pipes, and other types of water damage to your home or business.

Winter is Here! SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury wants you to protect your home from fire and water damage emergencies this winter. Before the chilly weather sets in for good, it’s time for some repairs and maintenance to keep your home or business safe and warm this winter.

• Keep the Cold Outside
  Check around the windows and doors for any gaps in the insulation or caulking, your home can lose a lot of warmth in the winter months if not properly sealed. Remember to change your HVAC system filters and have your unit inspected for debris or mold. At entry ways have a non-skid mat or rug to protect floors and prevent falls. Inspect your roof and siding for gaps or damage from storms, make any necessary repairs.
  
  
• Protect the Pipes
  Pipes located in attics, crawl spaces, basements, and near outer walls can be susceptible to freezing in extreme temperatures, avoid a costly pipe break or other water related disaster. Wrap exposed pipes in your attic, basement, or crawlspaces, with extra insulation around them to prevent them from freezing and causing damage. Don’t forget your water heater, add additional insulation if it’s located in an exposed or cold location.
  
  
• Prepare the Car for Cold Weather
  There are several things you can do to keep your car in good shape during cold conditions. Make sure you have a new set of windshield wipers and switch to a winter washer fluid. Check the tire pressure levels regularly with temperature changes, and make sure the coolant and antifreeze levels are plentiful. It’s a good idea to get an oil change to keep the car working at optimal efficiency. Have an emergency kit for your car including: flashlights, warm blankets, water and a first aid kit. It’s also a good idea to keep a shovel, ice scraper and a bag of sand.
  
  
• Don't Forget Yard Care
  Even with the cold weather conditions, your yard still needs to be maintained. Make sure tree and shrub branches are well away from the house and windows. Icy conditions can cause branches to break and damage your home. Autumn is the time for falling leaves, so make sure to clean out the gutters, to avoid possible ice dams and other costly water damage, and rake them off the lawn, clean the flower beds and prepare them for next year with fertilizer.
  
  
• Snow and Ice Preparedness
  Switch out Spring and Summer tools for Winter ones, keep the snow removal tools close at hand; including roof rakes, snow shovels and blowers, and pet-safe ice melt. Stock up on emergency supplies like batteries, ready-to-eat foods and maybe a generator.

Winter temperatures and storms can come on quick, often before you’re even prepared for it, don’t put off getting your home ready for the winter season. Taking some time to prepare your home for winter can help prevent ice dams, frozen pipes, and other types of water or fire damage to your home. SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury is prepared to help home owners in the case of a water or fire property damage Emergency. Our highly-trained technicians are ready to get your home back to normal after a disaster, “Like it never even happened.”

Contact us for 24-7 Emergency Service for your home or business, Fire and Water Damage Emergencies.

SERVPRO of Old Bridge/Cranbury is Always Here to Help! (732) 257-3739