Melting temperatures could cause ice dams on your roof. (Ronald Quaroni/ paNOW Staff)

By Ronald Quaroni

Spring hazards

Spring safety risks

Mar 12, 2019 | 12:15 PM

Spring cleaning is around the corner, but falling snow is still a risk as seasonal melts begin.

Snow and ice can build up on roofs over winter. With warm weather, ridges can form and trap water, which could lead to roof leaks, according to SGI.

Prince Albert Fire Department Deputy Chief, Corey Rodgers said on top of using a roof rake, residents should take some precautions while dealing with built up snow, especially on a tall house.

“They should have somebody with them [to] make sure their ladder is secure,” Rodgers said. He added people need to be mindful of large, heavy chunks of snow and ice that can come off at once.

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SGI included in their release that general flooding can be an issue this time of year. Home owners are encouraged to have down spouts pointed away from the house and to shovel snow away from the foundation.

Deputy Chief Rodgers said sidewalks are also on his radar.

“Just the slip and fall hazards on your normal sidewalk. If you keep snow and water drainage away from where you walk, it adds to some safety,” Rodgers noted. “Just have some extra salt and sand on hand to help protect people from slipping.”

Rodgers also highlighted river and lake thaw concerns.

“Things are going to start flowing here. As time goes by, all those icy surfaces (will) keep deteriorating and it could be quite easy for people to fall through,” Rodgers said.

Lyle Karasiuk with Parkland Ambulance said if people have to get on their roof to clear ice and snow they should be wearing a harness, and he gave a perfect example of how even using a snow rake can lead to potential injury.

“I was using a snow rake this past weekend and a great big slab of snow came sliding off and hit the deck,” he said. “If I had been under it I bet you I would have been hurt.” He added using steel or aluminium ladders and snow rakes are an obvious danger when there are power lines near property.

Karasiuk explained responding to falls are a major part of their call-outs this time of year with people getting caught out by the constant freeze-thaw cycles.

” Slow down, wear the right footwear, and if you have a walking assist, use it,” he said.

ron.quaroni@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @RonaldQuaroni