North Dakota ranks first for winter weather damage in country

(Fargo, ND) -- Winter weather is a close friend to us in North Dakota, but it also causes a lot of issues, and damages.

ServiceMaster Restore, a global leader in natural disaster response and restoration services for both residential and commercial clients, says the peace garden state ranks first in winter weather damage across the U.S.

With this report, ServiceMaster has some tips for you on how to handle the brutal winters in North Dakota. They include:

• Don't pack the Wrong Survival Tools -- The essentials include rock salt (to melt ice on walkways), sand to improve traction, snow removal equipment like shovels, sufficient heating fuel and adequate clothing/blankets. 

• Don't use an electric generator indoors -- Never use an electric generator indoors, inside the garage or near the air intake of your home because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. 

• Make sure the emergency pantry is stocked -- Keep a week’s worth of non-perishable food on hand. 

• Make sure you have plenty of water -- Keep a water supply. Extreme cold can cause water pipes to freeze and sometimes break. 

• Don't leave Pets and Animals Outdoors -- Bring pets inside during winter weather and move other animals such as livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water.

Winter weather hazards caused an estimated $64.1 million in property damages in the U.S. in 2022 through July. Since 2013, winter weather has caused $2.2 billion in property damages.