Are Minnesota Winters Really That Harsh?

Minnesota residents are no strangers to severe weather throughout the winter months. Storm and water damage is an unfortunate fact of life for locals each year as they grapple with freezing temperatures and adverse weather conditions. Here’s what you should know about Minnesota winters, how best to prepare for the area’s harsh conditions, and how Rapid Restoration’s emergency response team can help you recover.

What to Expect from a Minnesota Winter

In the heaviest winter months between December and March, average daytime temperatures in Minnesota typically stay below freezing. The overnight outlook is

even more frigid and can average single digits (or below) for weeks at a time. This extreme cold mixed with storms bringing frequent snow and ice poses several potential hazards to health and property if the proper safety precautions aren’t observed.

Average snowfall in Minnesota varies across the state, from 36 inches annually in the southwest to more than 70 inches along Lake Superior’s “snow belt,” with surrounding highlands representing Minnesota’s snowiest region. Keep in mind, of course, that those figures are averages—heavy blizzards can dump as much as 170 inches in parts of northern Minnesota, earning the state a reputation for uncompromising winter weather.

If you’re preparing for your first Minnesota winter, be ready for snow, freezing rain, and below-freezing temps no matter which region of the state you find yourself in.

Home Winterizing Basics

Preparing your home for severe conditions can go a long way towards mitigating the dangers of Minnesota’s cold season. Often, this will be termed “winterizing” your home and should include the following steps:

• Protect the pipes in your home with insulation. In some cases, you may also need to keep water running slightly to avoid freezing and excess damage.
• Ensure your home is adequately sealed from the cold with intact weather stripping. This prevents potential drafts from seeping into your home through windows and doors.
• Avoid tripping hazards by securing all handrails and keeping walkways clear of ice and snow.
• Once insulated, make sure your home is stocked with emergency supplies to avoid unnecessarily opening and closing doors. Store plenty of drinking water, basic first aid supplies, food, a weather radio, and a flashlight in case the power is knocked out.

Repairing Your Home After Storm Damage

Homes damaged by severe weather need immediate attention, as delaying the recovery process can result in more extensive (and more costly) damages if left unattended.

Flooded Basements

Removing floodwaters from your basement safely, and repairing the associated water damage can seem like a tall order. Fortunately, the Rapid Restoration team is experienced in restoring homes to working order and protecting basements against future complications. If you find your basement flooded and it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity wherever water is located and contact us right away—we’ll have your home looking good as new.

Burst Pipes

Another common culprit of winter water damage, frozen and burst pipes can cause havoc in your home if not quickly acted upon. Our crew provides pipe repairs and damage cleanup (walls, ceilings, and floors), plus drying and dehumidification to get your home back to normal as soon as possible.

Storm Damage

Severe storms can beat up on even the most prepared homes, which is why the Rapid Restoration team is available to you 24/7 for emergency board-ups, water damage cleanup, temporary weather-proofing, and reconstruction.

Contact the Experts

For active emergencies, please be sure to call 911. Once the situation has passed, our team can help with post-emergency cleanup and restoration. To learn more about how we can help restore your home, contact us here. We are eager to answer any questions you have about our restoration process.