From: "Tomeu, Ini" <itomeu@cambridgema.gov> Date: Thursday, February 19, 2015 at 8:41 PM To: "Tomeu, Ini" <itomeu@cambridgema.gov> Subject: Snow Accumulation can Add Weight and Stress to Roofs Please see attached news release, also pasted in as text below. We are trying to get this message out for the weekend and would appreciate any assistance you can provide. Ini Tomeu, Public Information Officer City of Cambridge 795 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, MA 02139 617-349-4339/ itomeu@cambridgema.gov <mailto:itomeu@cambridgema.gov> Like Us on Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/CambridgeMA.Gov> Website: wwww.cambridgema.gov For Immediate Release Snow Accumulation can Add Weight and Stress to Roofs Cambridge, MA ­ Feb. 19, 2015 -- City officials are urging residents and business owners to be aware of the danger posed by heavy snow loads on building roofs. Since January 26, Cambridge has received over 90 inches of snow, which has added significant weight and strain on all types of roofs. Property owners should be on the lookout for the warning signs of potential structural weaknesses. Removing snow from rooftops will minimize the likelihood of roof collapse or structural damage. With current weather forecasts predicting a possible rain event on Sunday, property owners should be taking steps to ensure the safety of their buildings. ³If we experience a rain event, the current snow piled on roofs will quickly absorb the precipitation,² said Owen O'Riordan, Commissioner of Public Works. ³Flat roofs will be at the most risk of having problems if they do not have proper or working drainage.² Cambridge¹s Inspectional Services Department personnel have been on the lookout for potentially problematic situations during the course of their duties. ³If one of their inspectors notices a property that may be at risk, the department is doing what it can to contact the property owners to inform them of the problem,² said Lee Gianetti, Director of Communications and Community Relations. ³All property owners, particularly those along major streets, should also be paying close attention to icicle formations on their buildings that may present hazards to the public below.² Suspected unsafe conditions can be reported to the Inspectional Services Department at 617-349-6100. To minimize the risk of over-stressing a building roof due to accumulated or drifting snow the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency suggests: € Be on the alert for large accumulating snow build-up or snowdrifts on your roofs. € If roof snow can be removed from the ground, 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. Protective headgear and eye protection is recommended. € Avoid 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 on. 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 suggested actions should only be performed by able-bodied adults, as the snow is heavy, and roofs and other surfaces may be slippery. If you are unable to safely remove the snow yourself, hire a qualified professional. The Cambridge Police Department reminds residents to be on alert for potential snow removal scams. If you have doubts about a phone call you received related to snow removal or roof clearing, contact the company or organization who ³allegedly² called; never give out credit card or checking account information unless you know it is a reputable business. Also, keep in mind that once a scammer is provided with a pre-paid money card number, the chance of you recovering the money is very slim. If you receive any suspicious calls, please hang up and contact the Cambridge Police at 617-349-3300. ###