Credit: Horsham Police
Sirens screamed Tuesday afternoon toward a home near the old Willow Grove Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base in Horsham, Montgomery County. Over the crackle of the scanner came word an elderly man was trapped after the carport attached to his single-story home had collapsed, likely under the weight of the snow.
While the man was freed by firefighters and taken to the hospital, it’s a scenario local emergency officials fear could turn deadly, especially as rain falls on several inches of ice and snow that have blanketed the area over the past month.
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Bucks County officials say “potential for damage and/or collapse of structures is increased during the next few days.”
“If rain falls on the standing snow and ice, it may have an effect like a sponge and absorb all of the moisture, making the load on a building heavier,” Bucks County Emergency Services Director Scott T. Forster said.
Many commercial and residential roofs are designed to handle heavy loads, but the large amount of wet snow increases the risk of collapse or other damage.
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From the county:
Large, flat roofs are at greatest risk, especially those that are not properly draining. Property owners should be attentive to excessive snow accumulation, ice dams, and poor drainage on rooftops. For flat roofs with an existing ponding problem; a professional should be called to check the snow load and advise for the snow removal procedure if required. Note: Ponding is the collection of water which usually indicates a structural problem that can worsen with weight.
Homeowners and building owners who have concerns about excessive loads and/or the structural integrity of a property should contact a professional/licensed contractor for assistance. Removing snow from a rooftop can be extremely dangerous, so it is best to rely on professionals. As in any public safety emergency, if there is an imminent danger, residents should call 911.
“While it is dangerous for owners to remove snow from a roof by climbing on it, snow rakes that reach a sloped roof from the ground are a possible solution for those who are concerned about the weight. This should only be performed by a professional contractor to prevent injury and damages to the roof.”
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County officials provided a link to FEMA’s page about guidelines for snow load safety.
