In anticipation of tonight's impending rain/ice storm, the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development and New Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management have joined forces to release the following message:
To All New Hampshire Commercial Building Owners and Property Managers:
New Hampshire has experienced near-record breaking snowfall this winter and as we move into spring, the accumulated snow and ice on building roofs is causing serious safety hazards in most regions of the state.
If you own or manage a commercial building, you should immediately assess the snow load on your roof and examine the building for signs of structural stress. You may wish to seek the advice of a professional engineer and should consider having snow and ice removed. Also, ensure that roof drains are cleared to allow for the drainage of water. Snow removed from roofs should not be allowed to block building fire exits.
Numerous building collapses have already been reported in the state due to the weight of accumulated snow and ice. That problem will be compounded by heavy rain and freezing rain that is predicted to move into the state beginning tonight (Tuesday).
Building owners and property managers with questions on snow loading issues should call their local code enforcement officer, fire department, a structural engineer or the state fire marshal's office (271-3294). If a building appears to be in imminent danger of collapse, evacuate the building and call 911.
Please note additional information provided by the Concord Fire Department at this link. You might also want to view a report compiled by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research Laboratory in Hanover at the following web address:
http://www.senh.org/committee%20reports/tr02-6.pdf.
Sincerely,
Christopher M. Pope, Director Michael Vlacich, Director
NH Homeland Security NH Division of Economic Development
and Emergency Management