For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Fairhaven Police Department Shares Ice Dam and Snow Removal Safety Tips for Residents

FAIRHAVEN — After last week’s heavy snowfall and with warmer temperatures expected over the next several days, Sgt. Kevin Kobza would like to advise Fairhaven residents on how they can safely handle snow removal from roofs and avoid damage from ice dams.

With some areas experiencing over a foot of snow, it is important for property owners, managers and tenants to have snow and ice safely cleared from their roofs.

This week, the National Weather Service expects Fairhaven to experience heavy rains from Thursday through Saturday. The region could see 1-3 inches of rain in that span. Sgt. Kobza asks residents to clear nearby storm drains from any snow, ice or debris to help prevent flooding, in a safe manner.

“Please only clear drains in areas of low traffic volume and where it is safe to do so,” Sgt. Kobza said. “The town can handle the other drains. If residents know of drains that often get clogged that are in high-risk areas, please call the department at 508-997-7421 and notify us and we will have it taken care of.”

While removing snow from roofs, residents should be aware of the dangers that come with heavy snow loads and the importance of recognizing signs of structural weakness. Flat and low pitched roofs are at the highest risk of buckling under heavy snow and ice accumulations, however many risks posed by heavy snowfall on roofs can be avoided by ensuring that the snow is removed safely.

“With the coming rain, water can get built up underneath snow and ice on roofs and cause ice dams, which could create significant water damage to your property,” Sgt. Kobza said. “Residents should always consider hiring professionals to remove snow and ice from their roofs. Injuries happen every year when people try to do it themselves.”

The following safety tips from the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety (DPS), the Department of Fire Services (DFS) and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) outline how to safely remove snow from roofs, recognize structural damage and other important safety information.

HOW TO REMOVE SNOW FROM ROOFS

• Consider hiring snow removal professionals. The combination of height and ice can make removing snow from roofs dangerous. If you decide to perform the task yourself, make sure you have someone with you to assist.
• Use a snow rake to remove snow from pitched roofs and start from the edge.
• Try to shave the snow down 2 or 3 inches on the roof instead of scraping the roof clean which could damage shingles or other roof covering.
• Keep all ladders, roof rakes and shovels away from utility wires.
• Plastic shovels are usually the best as metal tools may cause damage to your roof.
• Shovel snow from flat roofs by throwing the snow over the side and away from the building.
• Remove large icicles carefully if they’re hanging over doors and walkways. Consider knocking down icicles through windows using a broomstick.
• Protect gas and electric meters and piping from falling snow, icicles and melting water.
• Keep gutters and drains clean, free of ice and snow and keep downspouts clean at ground level

DO NOT

• Do not add your weight or the weight of equipment to the roof.
• Do not use a ladder, as ice tends to build up on both the rungs of the ladder and the soles of your boots.
• Do not use blow torches, open-flame, electric heating devices, or heat guns to remove snow and ice.
• Do not try to remove ice or icicles from utility wires or meters. Call your utility company or contractor for assistance.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE PROBLEMS WITH ROOFS

• Sagging roofs
• Severe roof leaks
• Cracked or split wood members
• Bends or ripples in supports
• Cracks in walls or masonry
• Sheared off screws from steel frames
• Sprinkler heads that have dropped down below ceiling tiles
• Doors that pop open
• Doors or windows that are difficult to open
• Bowed utility pipes or conduit attached at ceiling
• Creaking, cracking or popping sounds

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