Welcome back to the Rainbow Buffalo Blog! We aim to use this blog to help anyone in Erie, Niagara, Orleans, or Genesee county better understand the importance of water damage restoration! As a local WNY provider of water cleanup services, we are ready and waiting for the next WNY water emergency, but in the meantime, let’s take a few minutes to think about being prepared.
Here in Buffalo, when winter hits, we’re usually prepared and used to the snow, but unless you just moved here, you also know that winter snow can hit early.
2006 October Storm
In October of 2006, Western new york faced a storm that none of us were prepared for. Over 22 inches of heavy wet snow was recorded at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. That was and remains the highest 24-hour snow accumulation ever recorded in October.
When it snows like that in October, it causes significant problems, especially with melt. Power lines were down due to leaves on trees being packed with wet heavy snow, and thousands went without power. Snow to liquid ratios on the snow that October was 6:1 according to a 2021 Spectrum news article. This snow weighed a lot more than normal fluffy snow. This also went down as the 6th highest snowfall EVER reported in Buffalo!
If we happen to face early fall snow like this, or of any kind this fall, you’re going to want to take some preventative measures to protect your home from the potential dangers of water damage.
Be Prepared
Sure, we may not see another storm like the 2006 October storm ever again in our lifetimes, but if you stay ready, you don’t need to get ready. It’s best to stay prepared for potential early snowfall, because that early Fall snow is typically going to melt, and if you aren’t prepared you could end up with water damage.
- Don’t wait until it’s freezing out and winter to inspect that issue on the roof. Any signs of damage or missing shingles should be fixed before it gets too cold. Any staining or evidence of water on any ceiling or wall should be immediately looked at to assess for damage.
- When leaves begin to fall off, they can fill your gutters and cause issues with healthy drainage.
- Assess any underground sprinkler system or garden hoses to ensure they are properly winterized and disconnected. Main water lines freezing is not something you want to deal with this winter, so don’t wait.
- Check to ensure your attic is properly insulated. Inspect to ensure everything is free of humidity, moisture, or any cracks or openings where water could get inside. Make sure any drainage downspouts are directed at least 5-10 feet away from your house to prevent melted snow or water runoff from pooling and re-entering your home.
When You Are In Need
The unfortunate reality is that no matter how prepared you are to prevent fall water damage, sometimes disasters can’t be controlled, just like the October storm. Taking proactive preventative steps to ensure you don’t deal with any issues is always recommended, but if you are facing a water damage emergency here in Western New York, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us on our emergency hotline. We are always ready to help our neighbors of WNY!
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