Project Impact Offers Tips To Prevent Winter Damage (NAPS)—When most Ameri- cans worry about disasters, winter storms rarely rank at the top of their list. But as the season kicks into high gear, people everywhere must be aware that winter weather poses hidden threats. However, enacting preventive measures beforehand can signifi- cantly reduce those dangers. Roofs risk collapse under the weight of heavy snow, and weak tree limbs coated with ice and snow buildup can become dangeroushaz- ards. A burst pipe can potentially ruin a home’s interior. Housefires pose an additional risk, as more structural damage to homes. To protect yourself and your homein advance from the dangers associated with winter weather, Project Impact recommends: e Hiring a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from snow accumulation. Cutting away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm. e Clearing leaves and other debris from gutters. Repairing roof leaks. Insulating pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic to people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions. In fact, last year winter keep them from freezing and tional WeatherService. To cut back on winter damage, e Avoiding the use of kerosene heaters, which pose significant weather caused nearly $62 million in damage, according to the Nathe Federal Emergency Manage- ment Agency’s (FEMA) Project Impact: Building Disaster Resistant Communities, is encouraging people to take preventive actions now. “Many people don’t realize win- allowing faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing. Keeping heaters at least three feet from flammable objects. risk. If you must use one, refuel outside. e Learning how to shut off watervalves. Promptly removing ice and snow from tree limbs, roof and ter weather can cause severe dam- other structures. there are simple actions you can ing the way America deals with disasters since 1997. The nation- age to your home,” said FEMA Director James Lee Witt. “But Project Impact has been chang- take in advance to ensure your homeis a safe haven to wait out wide initiative began with seven Winter stormscan often last for days, and usually are accompanied by high winds, freezing rain or sleet, heavy snowfall and cold tem- munities and more than 2,500 business partners. the storm.” perature that can inflict costly pilot communities and today boasts nearly 250 designated comFor more information about Project Impact, visit www.fema. gov /impactor call 202-646-4117.
