The winter season is fully upon us, and with it comes the dangers that snow/ice storms can inflict upon your property. Fallen trees, icy roads, & an array of icicles are just some of the things that make this time of year so hazardous. Ice storms are particularly dangerous, causing over twenty thousand injuries yearly, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics. So far this year, the roads haven’t been too bad yet ( Thankfully), but I have already started to slip & slide on my way out of my driveway some mornings. I have a strong feeling that the rest of this winter will be true to the nature of a winter wonderland & we will see a lot more ice. Thankfully there are steps you can take to mitigate the risks.

When preparing your home for incoming storms, you first want to check your surrounding property for any out-of-place tree branches that could fall or do damage. Do a complete circle around your home & note any trees that could scratch or dent a vehicle, block a path or road, or even fall onto your house itself. Doing so can help you to save money in the long run. These branches will need to be removed; though one can attempt to do it themselves, it’s best just to call a professional. You will also want to check for dead or dying trees that could be in danger of ultimately toppling over. This could cause damage not only to your property but that of your neighbors & local power lines as well. Six Diamonds Tree Services has decades of experience helping families prepare for these types of weather situations. If you are in one of Six Diamond’s service areas, give us a call, & we can take care of it. Our technicians are trained in looking for potential risk factors, making sure to eliminate them from your property.

You are also going to want to make sure your gutters & downspouts are free from any debris. This will prevent a buildup of weight that could cause the channels to fall and free up the waterway to prevent ice from forming. Typically in cold temperatures, icicles will form along shutters, roofs, and other high surfaces; you will want to avoid this buildup as much as possible. Yahoo News reports that there are at least twelve cases of icicle deaths a year. Coupled with what I’ve seen in movies, I’d rather be safe than sorry!

Another essential step to take when preparing for incoming winter weather is to ensure that you have an emergency kit ready to go. You never know, especially here in New York, how bad a winter storm will get. This is why it’s best to hope for the best & prepare for the worst. Personally, I always make sure my household emergency kit contains the following:

Now that we have discussed storm prep, it’s time to talk about what happens afterward. Don’t forget; someone is going to have to break out the shovel. We have all fallen into the untimely situation where we need to get to work the next day; though the main streets are salted & cleared, our whole driveway is completely coated! As we previously discussed, preparation is your best friend during these times. If you’re a homeowner, you will be responsible for choosing someone in your family to do the heavy work. Keep one or two shovels on hand, as well as a bag of salt, to make sure your families are in the best shape possible. Renters, you are in luck in this situation, as most landlords have a shoveling company ready to assist you in taking care of all of this. If not, it’s time to break out the gloves & scarves; you’ll have some work to do. 

In conclusion, preparing for winter weather is essential to keeping yourself, your family, & your property safe. By taking steps to remove hazards, such as fallen tree branches & debris, as well as keeping an emergency kit, you will be better prepared for any winter storm that comes your way. Though you can take these matters into your own hands, it’s always better to consult a trained professional. We work all year long & look forward to helping you with your tree service needs! So, contact us today to inquire about your next tree service project. Fully licensed & insured. Over 25 years of experience in our community. Free, no-obligation estimates: (845) 878-7888. Service areas include Western, CT; Dutchess County, NY; Putnam County, NY; Westchester County, NY.