RIEMA Offers Tips to Prevent a Roof Collapse

While Rhode Island residents spend time shoveling their sidewalks and driveways, Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency wants residents to remember to remove snow from their roofs.

If more than a foot of snow and ice have accumulated on a roof, residents should have the snow removed by a professional, said RIEMA director Peter Gaynor.

RIMA recommends home and business owners to have a contractor or structural engineer check out their roofs before beginning the snow removal process.

“T.F. Green Airport has recorded approximately 50 inches of accumulated snow since January 1” Gaynor said in a press release. “With more snow on the way, combined with the previously accumulated snow and ice, the roof of your home or business could be experiencing a good amount of stress, which could lead to a potential collapse.

Some Rhode Islander saw up to 14 inches of snow during Valentine’s Day weekend.

More:

• How Much Snow did RI Just Get? It Depends on the Town

Residents should make sure it is safe to remove the snow from roofs, especially pitched roofs, to prevent personal injury.

Here are some tips for homeowners in removing snow and ice from roofs:

• Use long-handled snow rakes or poles and stand on the ground to remove the snow from the roof.
• If using a ladder, make sure the base is secure.
• Ask someone to hold the ladder while you climb.
• Do not clear snow during periods of strong winds.
• Do not come in contact with electrical wires.
• Keep roof drainage systems cleared of snow to prevent the risk of roof ponding in the event of heavy snow melting.

RIEMA also reminded residents to shovel out the closest fire hydrants and to help the elderly in the snow removal process. The elderly or those who need assistance with shoveling can contact Serve Rhode Island at (401) 331-2298. Volunteer for Serve Rhode Island here.

Contact Alex Ambrosius: (401) 261-1639 for more information.