Blizzard 2015 Boston

   / Blizzard 2015 Boston #291  
I wonder why they don't allow dumping the snow into the ocean. Isn't that where it goes when it melts? When they melt it with the snow melters, doesn't it just run into a storm drain and into the ocean? I don't get it.
The MWRA tells the city where to put the melters so the drains can handle it for processing. You're probably talking about 10,000 gallons per hour per melted.
 
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   / Blizzard 2015 Boston #294  
From another forum: "Where is the roof rake attachment for my Kubota?"

Timely...this email was in my inbox just now

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND SECURITY

_____________________________



MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF FIRE SERVICES
MASSACHUSETTS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

MASSACHUSETTS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACTS:
Chris Besse, MEMA PIO 508-820-2002
Thomas Gatzunis, DPS Commissioner 617-727-3200
Jennifer Mieth, DFS PIO 978-567-3189

ROOF COLLAPSE SAFETY INFORMATION

Residents and Businesses are Strongly Encouraged to Have Snow and Ice Cleared from Roofs Before this Weekend's Storm

FRAMINGHAM, MA The prolonged cold weather and repeated snowstorms Massachusetts is experiencing have contributed to potentially dangerous conditions for businesses and homes alike. Heavy mounds of snow are creating severe roof load conditions. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has received reports of over 100 full and partial roof collapses over the last week. Additionally the Department of Fire Services (DFS) has received numerous reports of gas leaks and fires caused by snow and icicles falling on gas piping and meters.

With the potential for more snow and/or rain in the forecast, residents and businesses are strongly encouraged to have snow and ice cleared from roofs before this weekend's storm, which could exacerbate the risk of roof and/or structural failure.

Homeowners, tenants, and businesses should be cognizant of the danger posed by heavy snow loads on roofs, and the importance of recognizing the warning signs of potential structural weaknesses. In many instances, the risks posed by accumulated snow can be mitigated by safely removing snow from roofs Flat and low pitched roofs, most often found on industrial buildings, but also used in certain home designs, are at the greatest risk of buckling under heavy snow and ice accumulations.

To safely remove snow from roofs, the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety (DPS), DFS and MEMA recommend the following tips:

DO
Use a snow rake for pitched roofs (available at most hardware stores) to remove snow from your roof.
Start from the edge and work your way into the roof.
Try to shave the snow down to 2 or 3 inches on the roof instead of scraping the roof clean, which will risk damage to your shingles or other roof covering.
Keep all ladders, shovels and roof rakes away from utility wires
Plastic shovels are usually best. Metal tools may cause damage to your roof.
Shovel snow from flat roofs throwing the snow over the side, away from the building.
Remove large icicles carefully if they're hanging over doorways and walkways. Consider knocking down icicles through windows using a broom stick.
Protect utilities meters and piping from falling snow, icicles, and melting water.
Wear protective headgear and goggles when performing any of these tasks.
Consider hiring professionals to do the job. The combination of heights plus ice makes this one of the more dangerous house chores. If you choose to do the task yourself, have someone outside with you to assist.
Keep gutters and drains clean, free of ice and snow and keep downspouts clean at ground level.

DON'T
Unless approved by a registered professional engineer, don't add your weight or the weight of equipment to the roof.
Don't use a ladder since ice tends to build up on both the rungs of the ladder and the soles of your boots.
Don't use blow torches, open-flame, or electric heating devices like hair dryers or heat guns to remove snow and ice.
Don't try to remove ice or icicles from utility wires or meters. Call your utility company for assistance.



How to Recognize Problems with Roofs
Sagging roofs
Severe roof leaks
Cracked or split wood members
Bends or ripples in supports
Cracks in walls or masonry
Sheared off screws from steel frames
Sprinkler heads that have dropped down below ceiling tiles
Doors that pop open
Doors or windows that are difficult to open
Bowed utility pipes or conduit attached at ceiling
Creaking, cracking or popping sounds


What to Do if You Have Problems
If you notice any signs that you have a problem with your roof, or suspect a gas leak, leave the building immediately without touching light switches and call 9-1-1 from safely outside the building.
For general questions, call your local building or fire department business line.

Other Safety Tips for Homeowners
Clear snow away from furnace and dryer exhaust vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home.
Clear snow from fire hydrants near your home or business.
Clear snow from storm drains near your home or business to prevent street flooding.

To receive emergency information on your smartphone, including severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service and emergency information from MEMA, download the Massachusetts Alerts free app. To learn more about Massachusetts Alerts, and for additional information on how to download the free app onto your smartphone, visit: MOBILEAPP.

Massachusetts Department of Fire Services: DFS

Massachusetts Department of Public Safety: DPS

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency: MEMA
 
   / Blizzard 2015 Boston #296  
Climbing onto a pitched roof to clear snow off a roof can be dangerous...frozen shingles or built up roll roofing offer no footing grip and once you start sliding usually your going ride it out to the bottom. Most times there is nothing to grab to try to stop the momentum. Roof rakes are good to own. Tie a rope off for safety if you do go up on roof and that point about using a ladder. How many often use a ladder in the winter? Ice and snow on an aluminum ladder step is like having grease under your foot.

On the lighter side and glad it wasn't me :D

I had a short stint as carpenter in new plant maintenance shop where a company had taken over an empty old factory and were renovating to there needs. It was Winter and there was massive ice and snow buildup all over this place and one day it starting melting and coming inside EVERWHERE. The shop boss had all us guys stop our inside work and go up on the roof to clear snow and ice. We were gingerly working, taking our time as not to ruin the membrane roof in any way. Well of course that wasn't good enough for him and the next day he brought in a strapping young kid and sent him up on the roof with an axe to chop ice and he went at like a madman. Can you guess what happened...yup he cut holes into the roof all over that one section. We all seen it. Shop Boss never said another word and while we went back to our regular work he went up on the roof with a heat repair kit. I'm glad I moved on that Spring.

I heard they got rid of him not long after. :confused3:
 
   / Blizzard 2015 Boston #297  
Story in the paper yesterday said that even our new governor was collecting dripping water in his house from ice dams. I saw a woman in our neighborhood standing on a folding ladder she had balanced on her porch roof as she tried to reach snow on the house roof. Tried to talk her out of it but she was determined. We've had quite a bit of water in the house despite getting the roof cleared. Wood gutters are just packed with ice and there is no practical way to keep them clear. There will be lots of work for painters and plaster guys when this is over.
 
   / Blizzard 2015 Boston #298  
Story in the paper yesterday said that even our new governor was collecting dripping water in his house from ice dams. I saw a woman in our neighborhood standing on a folding ladder she had balanced on her porch roof as she tried to reach snow on the house roof. Tried to talk her out of it but she was determined. We've had quite a bit of water in the house despite getting the roof cleared. Wood gutters are just packed with ice and there is no practical way to keep them clear. There will be lots of work for painters and plaster guys when this is over.
ice dams causing water damage; yet another insured peril the insurance companies will no longer cover in 2016...

Sent from my iPhone 5s 64Gb using TractorByNet
 
   / Blizzard 2015 Boston #300  
New England poised for collapsing roofs as rain comes

Sounds like quite a few have already had serious problems.
I saw a post from a structural engineer. Recent construction hockey rinks, for example, can withstand 80 lbs sf. But some of the older buildings and rinks are rated as low as 35 lbs / sf all over so they are getting urgent attention.

Miller Fence in Worcester, MA makes roof rakes during the winter. People are driving up from CT, and down from NH and VT to get one. Apparently they made 400 for the weekend and are already sold out. He's got a crew of 17 working.

I've got a 20' rake from Suncast. I'm going to see if I can get another 5' section so I can reach higher up.
 

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