If there's snow on the roof ...

                                                                                                       Photo by Nadeen Thompson

... it's no surprise.

If you think you've seen a pair of workers wielding long-handled snow rakes around the neighborhood, you're not seeing things.

The accumulation of snow this winter has worried some of us more than others -- those who already are experiencing roof leaks, for example. So, Jerry Gordon was good enough to set up contacts with Mark Vincent to supply workers, at a fee, of course, to allay their concerns by easing the burden on the roofs.

Even if you haven't had problems so far, keep an eye on your garage ceilings. That's where leaks have shown up most commonly in some Terrace residences.

About that snow on the roof ...

Neighbors:

Some of you had Mark remove the snow from your roof, some of you did it yourself, and some didn’t do it at all. Now you get a second chance.

Mark will be back some day this week, depending on the weather. If you’d like to talk to him about it, send me an email or sign up at the mailbox.

-- Jerry Gordon

Where is your main gas shutoff valve?

One style of shutoff valve

That's what Ed and Elaine Reilly had to find out when they needed to shut off the gas for a fireplace repair.

When the serviceman could not find a shutoff valve inside or outside, Ed called National Grid. Their serviceman conducted a search to find out where the exterior valve was located.

Turns out it was under a few feet of snow AND four inches or so of garden mulch. In a gas emergency, that could have presented a very real danger.

It appears as mulch is added to our landscaping each year, in at least some cases the shutoff valves are being buried. As soon as is practical, we suggest checking to find out where your valve is located, and keeping access to it clear.