WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Three Rivers Fire Chief Dan Tomlinson has issued a special warning for people who own buildings with flat roofs.
The existing snow-load and the forecasted rainfall should be of immediate concern for residential, commercial and industrial buildings with flat roofs. The combined accumulation of these loads could exceed the structural stability of the roof system, and could result in a catastrophic collapse, Tomlinson said.
For every 5,000 square feet of roof area, one inch of water will add about 26,000 pounds of additional weight. Tomlinson said it is important that roof drains are clear and flowing to prevent the added accumulation of standing water on a flat roof.
The combination of snow-loads and accumulating water is an extremely dangerous situation, Tomlinson said.
