Big snowstorm hitting Midwest..Anything you guys would to prepare for it?

Question

So there's supposed to be a massive snowstorm in Midwest over next couple of days. Up to 18 inches of snow. Do you guys do anything to prepare your rental properties for a snowstorm like this? Anything you guys tell your tenants? I am just trying to see if I need to do something to prepare for next couple of days.

Any input is appreciated.

Steve Babiak · Answer

Have snow shovel ready.  Have ice melt ready.

If they have snow thrower, then they will need fuel for it.

Make sure your 4 wheel drive vehicle is working.

Roofs can be an area of concern.  Flat roofs can have issues with lots of snow.  Pitched roofs can experience ice dams.  Keeping gutters flowing is important.  I also see that some people will use a "snow rake" to remove large snow accumulations from pitched roofs.

If you have direct vented heating systems, the exhaust and intake might be located close to ground level.  Tenants should be informed to clear snow around those openings to allow for proper functioning of the heating system.

If you have oil or propane heat, then there must be access to the fill openings in case fuel delivery is needed.

I also encourage that snow be removed from around the nearest fire hydrant, so that in the event of a misfortune such as a fire, that the fire crews aren't wasting precious time excavating the hydrant.

But what I typically see is a run on the grocery stores, for items like milk, eggs and bread...

Jeffrey K. · Answer

All of our trucks carry 320 lbs of salt on them to drop off to onsite managers.  I have a pallet at my house and have already made a run to each of my properties to drop of a 80lb bag.  We also give sand to select properties with driveways or stairs that people can slip on.

I always carry sharkbite caps in all sizes on my truck in the event that we have a line blow out.  If it is lead or copper and you dont have a clean cut or a sharkbite you can beat it closed (might cause damage).

Have a roof rake ready if you need it.  Knock down ice over entry and walks.  I use a painter's pole.

Keep an extra shovel on your truck (you should keep a coal shovel on it always).

Gas up all of your trucks.

Make sure your washer fluid is full.

Bill Gulley · Answer

Good points Steve, I'd add that crawl space doors need to be secured and vents clsoed, they should have been in colder areas already!

Some municipalities require owners/tenants to clear sidewalks, better remind them to get it cleared in they need to.

I would alswys show them how to drip a faucet especially on outside walls and leave under sink cabinet doors open. This is sometimes an issue in older homes.

If you have a tenant on a well, make sure they know to store water for the toilets. Power outages will leave you wighout a pump.

In the winter too, make sure the water/pump head is covered if not enclosed in an insulated wellhouse.

Use electrical heat tape or wraps for exposed water lines and make sure they know to turn them on.

If they have an unheated utility room fora washer and dryer, they need to drain the washer and disconnect the water lines and drain them. I have seen many in a breeze way say between a garage and house or even at the end of a garage or carport. If they have to buy a new washer, it's money they will spend and the money might come from next months rents.

Storm windows should be closed on the outside.

We are expecting 40mph winds with the storm. If you have a hot water heater in a basement or outer room that has an outside door, make sure it is sealed to prevent drafts as a draft across the HW heater can cause a pilot light to go out.  Make sure the small door on the HW heater is attached or closed too.

Remind tenants not to use extension cords with electric heaters, they are most often not properly matched and a leading cause of fires in the winter.

Make sure tenants know where they can use a portable heater in the evnt the furnace goes out. A kerosene heater in the living room on your carpet is not a good idea. Make sure if they have them they know how to use them and fill them outside, then bring it back inside after they wipe off any spills. Have them set heaters on a tiled entry or maybe near a kitchen doorway (so heat will flow into the other room) on a solid survace.

Remind them too that candels around curtins are not a good idea and that they should be used on a solid surface away from cumbustables. And not over a bed.

For those expecting ice, I suggest you check the weatherhead mast where your electric service comes in. Having only two U bolt supports may not be enough. This is a spot to overbuild! When limbs fall on the power lines it does not take much to rip most meter backs out and having expensive repairs. A couple more bolts or supports with longer lag screws will really help.

Inform tenants about using generators. Never know if daddy has one for his kids and brings it over for them to use. Never plug a generator in an outlet to electrify a circuit. Make sure the main breaker is off if a generator is ever use to ensure current never feeds back on the servie lines as this can kill utility workers. Only plug up portable generators to the appliance to be run and make sure the generator has proper venting.

Lastly, if you expect ice and your properties have areas where people could slip and fall, like rock stepping stones going uphill in the front yard or sloping steps, just ask them to keep people away from such areas and make them aware of the winter hazard. I fell on my tail walking down some icy steps at a resturant where the steps had a slight slope to them. Make sure hand rails are in good shape too!

Happy shivering!

Sharad M. · Answer

Sorry, double post. Please delete.

Sharad M. · Answer

CNN is calling this a winter storm of historic proportions. Good luck to everyone out there. Stay warm and protected.

Account Closed · Answer

If your from Seattle the answer might be flee.  The whole city shuts done when snow begins to stick.

Bryan Hancock · Answer

21 inches of snow where I am for the next 3 days!  Yikes!

Sharad M. · Answer

Thanks for the great info, Steve. One of my properties has flat roof and the other has pitched roof, so I will have my handyman on call the next couple of days.

Big snowstorm hitting Midwest..Anything you guys would to prepare for it?

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