Executive Summary
- Portland offers several winter storm risks for both property and personal safety, including snow, freezing rain, and high winds.
- Home and business owners can take steps to prepare for winter storms by ensuring their property is in the best possible shape and having an emergency weather kit.
- Property owners should have a plan of action for emergencies and know emergency service contact information to prepare for harsh winter storms in advance.
- A professional service can support Portland residents by preparing their property for winter storms as well as restoring any damage that occurred as a result of a storm.
Winter storm preparedness is crucial in climates like Portland. The winter can bring hazards like freezing rain, power outages, and heavy snow, which can cause damage to your property. Property owners must be aware of the potential risks so that they can take steps to mitigate them.
Consulting a professional service can help you prepare your property for storms and manage any damage that takes place. If winter weather does cause damage to your property, a professional restoration service can help you address the damage and get your business back to normal.
Unveiling Winter Storm Risks in Portland
Portland sees an average annual snowfall of 4.5 inches. On top of the snowfall risks, Portland may also see heavy rains, high winds, and potential floods from snowmelt throughout winter. Altogether, these can pose several hazards to people and property in Portland.
Winter storm risks in Portland include:
- Freezing rain – Freezing rain comes down heavier than regular rain, causing more damage and can also lead to floods.
- Snow build-up – The weight of snow buildup can cause damage to roofs and other structures.
- Power outages – Power outages can cause a myriad of issues for homes and businesses, affecting operations.
- Wind damage – Winds from winter storms can knock down trees and throw around debris that can damage homes and structures.
- Hail – Heavy hail can damage structures, windows, and vehicles during a storm.
- Snowmelt – When snow melts, the runoff can build up and cause flood damage to your property.
Historically, Portland has faced winter storms that have led to a variety of unsafe conditions, like ice storms and blizzards. For example, in February 2023, Portland saw its snowiest day since 1943, bringing 10.8 inches in one day and disrupting the city’s operations.
With the potential risks of winter storms in Portland, home and business owners should not take the milder winters for granted. Although Portland may not face as severe winter weather as other cities, weather is unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to be prepared for a significant winter weather event.
Winter Storm Preparedness for Homeowners
Homeowners must be aware of the potential risks that winter storms bring so that they can position themselves to address them properly. The best preparation for winter storms happens well before winter even starts so that you are ready in advance of a potential storm.
To protect your property and family during winter storms, follow this checklist:
- Inspect your roof and gutters, and remove any debris buildup.
- Have your heating system maintained and serviced before winter.
- Stock up on essential needs, like food, water, and medications.
- Insulate pipes to protect plumbing from freezing.
- Create a communication plan between family members and neighbors.
- Consider having a generator for backup power.
- Have snow removal equipment on hand, like snow shovels and snow blowers.
In addition to the above steps, build an emergency kit of essential supplies in case the weather takes a sudden turn. Consider including these supplies in your emergency kit:
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- Alternative light sources
- Blankets
- Cell phone with a charger
- Non-perishable food
- Bottled water
- Phone
- Extra winter weather clothes
- First-aid kit with necessary medications
Once you have taken precautions to prepare your home and family, stay vigilant of weather reports throughout the winter so that you can put your plans into action.
Alpha Environmental provides expert storm and wind damage remediation services to support you with cleanup and prevent further damage.Protect Your Property from Storm and Wind Damage
Winter Storm Preparedness for Business Owners
Business owners can take similar steps to prepare their property against winter weather. Although many steps are the same, business owners have a more significant responsibility to ensure their staff and any visitors on the property are safe.
Before the winter, business owners should inspect their property and perform any necessary maintenance to ensure that it’s safe for winter weather. To do so, take the following steps:
- Check the roof and structural integrity.
- Ensure that heating systems are well-maintained and insulation is in top condition.
- Maintain parking lots, walkways, and entryways to ensure safety both before and after ice storms.
- Installing systems to manage water buildup and potential flooding.
Businesses should also prepare their property against potential floods. When freezing rain comes down, or snow melts, the runoff needs to have a clear pathway off the surface pavement to avoid water buildup and potential flooding. Incorporating flood prevention and mitigation strategies and structures like bioswales & bioretention systems and maintaining catch basins can ensure that snow melt can be easily redirected off roads and the property and into local water systems.
Additional steps businesses can take in preparation include:
- Have an evacuation plan for visitors and staff.
- Create a protocol for safety steps to take following a harsh winter storm
- Have a backup generator in case of power outages.
- Develop a business continuity plan with communication protocols for employees.
- Create a protocol for remote work.
- Prepare an emergency kit with the necessary resources for supporting staff and anyone else on the property in case a severe weather event occurs.
Additional Tips for Preparing for a Winter Storm in Portland
As you prepare for a winter storm, pay attention to reports from the authorities for important weather warnings to take precautions. These will be issued by the National Weather Service branch in Portland.
Some warnings to look out for include a winter storm warning, which brings life-threatening, severe winter conditions like snow and ice. Meanwhile, a blizzard warning indicates sustained winds of 35 miles per hour more, as well as reduced visibility due to heavy snowfall.
As you monitor weather events and build the best weather emergency response, consider the following protocol:
- Ensure you have the contact information for relevant local weather emergency authorities found on the city’s website.
- Reach out to the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management for the latest updates on weather conditions on government response or to report concerns.
- Stay updated on public transportation changes through the Portland Bureau of Transportation and pay attention to the advice of local emergency authorities, including emergency shelters and warming centers.
- Review your insurance policy for flood insurance and coverage against weather-related damages in advance.
- Ensure that your vehicle is prepared with winter tires and an emergency kit in case of a required evacuation.
- Trim and maintain trees around your property to prevent them from following due to heavy ice or winds.
- Inspect your property throughout the winter for signs of water damage.
Preparation is crucial for minimizing storm damage, but it also helps to be ready if unavoidable damage does occur. Be sure to have a trusted professional service to turn to if you experience winter storm damage to your property. Alpha Environmental provides expert support for the water damage restoration process, storm and wind damage restoration, and mold remediation services to help you pick up the pieces after a storm or weather event.
How Alpha Environmental Services Can Help
Winter storm preparedness is crucial for home and business owners alike for the sake of protecting their property and personal safety. From preparing your home for the risks of storms to ensuring you have a proactive kit setup, there are plenty of steps that property owners can take.
For protection against winter storm damage in and around Portland, Alpha Environmental is here to help. We’re here to support you with stormwater management systems, water damage restoration, and storm and wind damage cleanup. We’ll use our 21+ years of expertise and professional-grade tools to help you manage any winter weather-associated damages so your property remains in its best shape.
Contact us today for peace of mind with your storm damage restoration.
