Prepare4 Public Safety Information

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Super Security at this Year's Superbowl

1. Vantage points in the Stadium's rafters for Law Enforcement Snipers.
2. Radiological detectors for possible "Dirty Bombs"(10 hits at last year's SB-all were medical isotopes).
3. Multiple entrances for faster evacuation.
4. 30 mile radius of restricted airspace.

Here's What to Look For - Before the Roof Collapses to the Floor!

Over 90 buildings (so far) in Massachusetts have collapsed under the stress of Snow and Ice accumulating on rooftops.

Do you live in an area affected by the recent winter storms?

Take a moment to stop, look and listen. Your commercial building, apartment or house may be telling you something.

Don't let your roof become your new floor!
Here's What to Look For

Homeowners and business owners should be mindful of the risk of personal injury to themselves and occupants before removing snow from roofs. A contractor could be helpful in assessing the need for snow removal. Most tree removal companies will do snow removal from roofs.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Be on the alert for large accumulating snow build-up or snowdrifts on your roofs. If roof snow can be removed with the use of a snow rake (available at most hardware stores), do so. Use caution, as metal snow rakes conduct electricity if they come into contact with a power line.

WARNING SIGNS OF A POTENTIAL ROOF COLLAPSE

Prior to a roof collapse, buildings generally exhibit signs that the roof is in distress and action should be taken to mitigate a roof collapse. The following are some of the symptoms that have been reported prior to roof failure:

Sagging roof steel – visually deformed
Severe roof leaks
Cracked or split wood members
Bends or ripples in metal supports
Cracks in walls or masonry
Cracks in welds of steel construction
Sheared off screws from steel frames
Sprinkler heads pushed down below ceiling tiles
Water in ponds where it never has not formed ponds before
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

TIPS FOR SNOW REMOVAL FROM ROOFS

Try to void working from ladders, as ladder rungs tend to ice up. Snow and ice collect on boot soles, and metal ladders.
Flat roofs can be shoveled clear, but only if it is determined that the roof is safe to stand upon. Exercise care when on the roof to avoid potentially dangerous falls.
Flat roof drainage systems should be kept clear to minimize the risk of excess roof ponding in the event of subsequent heavy rainfall or melting.
Large icicles can form on roof overhangs, but do not necessarily mean ice damming is occurring. Icicles overhanging doorways and walkways can be dangerous and should be carefully removed.
All of the mentioned actions should only be performed by able-bodied adults, as the snow is heavy, and roofs and other surfaces may be slippery. Protective headgear and eye protection is recommended.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT AN IMMINENT ROOF COLLAPSE