Risky roofs: Leave the clearing to the professionals

LYNN-Snowy roofs across the region will soak up winter rain over the next two days, but experts warn residents to let the professionals climb the ladders and do the shoveling.Rain-soaked snow on top of flat roofs poses weight bearing risks, said District Fire Chief William Curran who noted that a gallon of water weighs 8.33 pounds.?The rain and snow act like a sponge,” Curran said, adding commercial buildings are the most common flat-roof structures.Curran said homeowners and merchants should hire a roofer or contractor to clear roofs. Beden Hardware co-owner John Ciccone said residents who want to tackle roof and drain maintenance should buy shovels with blades that will not pierce the roof?s protective membrane.Roof collapses rank on a list of winter emergencies that include unsafe use of candles and carbon monoxide poisoning. Curran urged residents to light candles away from any flammable objects and never leave them unattended.?It usually happens every year we have some tragedy with candles,” Curran said.Residents should check to make sure carbon monoxide detectors work and have fresh batteries.Curran also warned local ponds do not have thick enough layers of ice to make them safe for skating.?With kids home from school there is that urge to get out there and skate but hold off until we get another cold spell,” he advised.In Natick, two very cold teenagers were plucked from the ice after falling through a pond and becoming trapped last Saturday.Neighbors alerted police after hearing screams coming from Pickerel Pond. Firefighters responded and donned cold-water-rescue suits.The teens were about 50 yards from the shore and struggling in waist deep, freezing water.It took about an hour to rescue the two teens from the ice.