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NM Emergency Management Personnel Visit Heavy Snow
Areas for Situational Awareness
Homes and Businesses Cautioned About Snow Buildup on Flat Roofs
SNOW UPDATE
Bill Richardson John W. Wheeler
Governor Cabinet Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Beverly Allen
505-231-7197
SANTA FE- The Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management today dispatched personnel to Western and Northern New Mexico for a situational assessment of damage and needs due to last week’s heavy snow fall. Counties to be visited are Cibola, McKinley and Rio Arriba.
Over the weekend, the department coordinated with those counties, the Navajo Nation and the State of Arizona on the effects of the snow that in some areas is as high as six feet. Now that most primary roads are clear, emergency management is concerned that excess snow and ice accumulations on flat roofed buildings will cause further damage.
Cabinet Secretary John W. Wheeler cautions that “as temperatures warm through Tuesday, water weight on flat roofs due to snow and ice can cause not only collapse, but collateral water damage inside the building.”
Snow removal should start at the outer edges of the roof first, then clear all gutters and drain spouts, then work toward the center.
Once the snow, ice and water are cleared, owners should look for cracks and leaks and document all damage for insurance purposes with a photograph.
With the National Weather Service predicting another storm system to move through the state in the middle of next week, Wheeler cautions residents to make sure sidewalks and driveways are cleared and, “you have emergency supplies in case you are snowed in.” He also asks that people reach out to their neighbors to make sure of their well being and offer aid to those with special needs.
Cabinet Secretary Wheeler advises New Mexican’s, “if you need to travel during winter storms, make sure your vehicle is in good condition. It’s also a good idea to advise someone at your destination what time you are leaving and your anticipated arrival time.”
Wheeler also cautions that before leaving, “always check the road conditions between your point of departure and your destination.” Travelers can call the NM Department of Transportation’s Road Information hot line by
Dialing 511 or go to www.nmroads.com if you are travelling to Arizona, road conditions and weather can be checked at www.az511.gov or 1-888-411-ROAD (7623).
The Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management was signed into law in 2007 by Governor Bill Richardson to enhance New Mexico’s ability to coordinate the state’s efforts for the prevention, preparedness and response and recovery for all hazards. The DHSEM also serves as the bridge between State and Federal Government and the cities and counties of New Mexico for homeland security and emergency management activities.
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GLOSSARY OF WINTER WEATHER TERMS
Freezing Rain- rain that freezes when it hits the ground creating a coating of ice on roads walk ways, trees and power lines.
Sleet-rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads that can freeze and become slippery.
Winter Storm Watch-a winter storm is possible in your area. Tune into your local radio or television station or NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Weather Radio or go to www.noaa.gov for details.
Blizzard Warning-sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 mph or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.