Remember The Six Feet Rule In New York State

There is a rule that all who own a house in New York State should remember as we start the long winter.

The snow has been flying this fall in portions of New York State. As the Great Lakes have stayed warm, the cold air that passed over has created a massive amount of lake effect snow. Some areas east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario have seen over 4 feet in some of the persistent bands.

But as we have become used to, the weather is about to bring another issue for some in New York State. With the mountains of snow on roofs and buildings, and a warm up on the way, the fear is finding leaks and roof damage.

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I live in Western New York, in the Southtowns of Buffalo. This fall, we have had two pretty intense lake effect snow storms pass over and drop FEET of snow. I grew up in this area and have lived here for 47 years! I'd like to say that I am used to it, or doesn't bother me, but lately it has become more annoying than anything. I say that as a guy who LOVES to ride a snowmobile in New York State.

Perhaps the issue is not the snow itself; it may be the fact that we get so much at one time? The work begins after the snow stops falling. With four kids under 8 years old, I have to use my time wisely when I am outside moving the snow around.

Our house was built in the 1950's and I am constantly worried about the large amount of snow on the roof of the house and the sheds we have. I took some time to use my roof rake to move some of the snow before the warm weather arrived.

Most "experts" tell me that the ideal amount of snow that you need to get off the roof is around 6 feet from the gutters. Just be safe and watch for power lines. I have had to get on the roof and shovel in the past when seven feet of snow fell on the house in 2015!

The winter won't officially arrive for a few more days but you wouldn't know that by looking at the snow piles around town.