Snow‑Ready Homes In Beverly: A Practical Prep Guide

First big snow on the forecast for Beverly? You want your home comfortable, safe, and ready to handle whatever winter brings. With local rules on sidewalk clearing, snow‑emergency parking, and coastal storms that can pack wet, heavy snow, a little planning goes a long way. This guide gives you clear steps, trusted resources, and Beverly‑specific tips to protect your home and keep your season stress‑free. Let’s dive in.

Beverly winter at a glance

Beverly typically sees a meaningful winter snow season, with average annual snowfall around 40 to 45 inches depending on the year and storm track. You can use local normals to plan, but expect coastal systems that bring heavy, wet snow and periods of ice. Climate summaries for Beverly offer a helpful ballpark view.

The big risks to plan for are roof snow loads, ice dams from freeze‑thaw cycles, frozen pipes, and power outages during coastal wind or icing. Good prep reduces damage and hassle, and helps you respond safely when storms arrive.

Know the local rules

Sidewalk clearing deadlines

Beverly places responsibility on property owners to clear sidewalks that border their property. You must clear snow within six hours after snowfall ends during the day, or by 1:00 p.m. the next day if the snow ends at night. Ice must be made safe within six hours of becoming icy. The city provides an exemption process for residents 65+ or those with hardship, and violations can result in fines. Review the City’s guidance on the Snow & Ice Information page.

Snow‑emergency parking

When Beverly declares a snow emergency, on‑street parking is prohibited and towing is enforced. Move cars to designated municipal lots until the ban is lifted. The City posts flashing blue lights and updates procedures on the same Snow & Ice Information page.

Who clears what

City Public Services clears public streets and rights of way. Property owners clear adjacent sidewalks and should never push private snow into the street or across sidewalks. Use the City’s reporting tools to note uncleared sidewalks or hazards.

Your snow‑ready checklist

Before winter

• Service your heating system and change filters. If you use a wood or pellet stove, get the chimney inspected and swept.
• Improve attic insulation and air sealing to reduce heat loss and help prevent ice dams. Massachusetts residents can explore incentives and a no‑cost assessment through Mass Save’s insulation and air sealing program.
• Clean gutters and downspouts so meltwater drains away from your foundation.
• Trim dead or overhanging limbs near the house and driveway to reduce break risk during heavy, wet snow.
• Protect plumbing: insulate exposed pipes, shut off and drain outdoor spigots, and know your main water shutoff. Keep the thermostat no lower than the mid‑50s if you travel. For prevention tips, see frozen pipe guidance.
• Build an emergency kit with water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, a radio, chargers, and warm layers. Review winter outage prep and generator safety on Ready.gov.

During a storm

• Stay off the roads if you can and give plows plenty of room. Review state safety tips for winter driving and plow operations from Mass.gov.
• Follow Beverly’s snow‑emergency parking rules if a ban is declared.
• Use a long‑handled roof rake from the ground to clear a shallow band of snow along eaves. Do not climb on a snowy roof.
• Watch for roof‑load warning signs like new ceiling cracks, sagging, or creaking. If you suspect danger, evacuate and call for help. See FEMA’s Snow Load Safety Guide for indicators.
• If power goes out, report it to your utility and use battery lights, not candles. National Grid lists MA outage reporting at 1‑800‑465‑1212 and gas emergencies at 1‑800‑233‑5325. You can also reference the National Grid contact page.

After the storm

• Clear sidewalks within the City’s required timeframe and keep hydrants and walkways accessible.
• Do not push snow back into the street or across sidewalks, especially if a private plow is helping you.
• Inspect for leaks, ice‑dam staining, gutter damage, or fallen limbs. Photograph issues before cleanup for insurance.
• If a pipe freezes or bursts, shut off the main water and call a licensed plumber. Dry affected areas promptly.

Prevent costly damage

Roof snow loads and warning signs

Heavy, wet snow can stress any roof, especially flat or low‑slope sections. You rarely need to scrape a roof bare. Instead, use a roof rake to lower the load at eaves and reduce ice‑dam risk. Learn structural warning signs and safe removal basics in FEMA’s Snow Load Safety Guide. If you suspect structural risk, evacuate and call 911 or a qualified professional.

Ice dams 101

Ice dams form when warm attic air melts roof snow that then refreezes at the eaves. Short term, rake snow near the eaves from the ground and avoid chipping ice. Long term, improve insulation, air sealing, and attic ventilation. For practical steps, review this ice‑dam overview.

Frozen pipes and water damage

Prevent freezing with insulation, warm airflow to vulnerable areas, and steady indoor temperatures. If you suspect a freeze, open faucets slightly to keep water moving and warm the area safely. If a line bursts, shut the main water off and call a licensed plumber. Prevention tips are summarized in the frozen pipe guidance.

Insurance and documentation

Take pre‑season photos of roofs, attics, and high‑risk areas. Keep receipts for maintenance like gutter cleaning or tree trimming. These simple steps can speed claims and reduce the chance of denial for neglect. For smart, low‑cost prevention ideas, see this insurance weatherproofing guide.

Hiring help the right way

Verify registration and insurance

For home improvement work on 1 to 4 unit owner‑occupied properties in Massachusetts, hire a contractor registered with the state’s Home Improvement Contractor program. Ask for their HIC number, proof of insurance, references, and a written contract. You can verify details through the MA HIC program.

Know when permits apply

Major roofing, structural reinforcement, electrical work, or generator interconnections often require permits and licensed trades. Ask who is pulling permits and how inspections will be handled before work begins.

Quick contacts and resources

• Beverly Snow & Ice Information: rules for sidewalks, snow‑emergency parking, reporting tools, and municipal lot locations.
• National Grid Massachusetts: electric outage 1‑800‑465‑1212, gas emergency 1‑800‑233‑5325.
• Ready.gov: winter outage and generator safety checklists.

Getting snow‑ready can also support your real estate goals, from winter showings to pre‑list repairs that protect value. If you want a tailored plan for your Beverly home or you are weighing a move this season, reach out to Annie McClelland for local guidance and a calm, concierge experience.

FAQs

What are Beverly’s sidewalk snow deadlines?

• Property owners must clear abutting sidewalks within six hours after snowfall ends during the day, or by 1:00 p.m. the next day if it snowed overnight, and make ice safe within six hours of becoming icy.

How do Beverly snow‑emergency parking bans work?

• When the City declares a snow emergency, on‑street parking is prohibited, towing is enforced, and designated municipal lots are available until the ban is lifted.

How can I prevent ice dams on my Beverly home?

• Rake snow from eaves during storms and, long term, improve attic insulation and air sealing to limit heat loss that causes ice dams.

When should I remove snow from my roof?

• Use a roof rake from the ground to reduce weight at the eaves and watch for structural warning signs like sagging or creaking; hire pros for heavy accumulations or flat roofs.

Who should I call for power or gas issues during a storm?

• For Massachusetts, report electric outages to National Grid at 1‑800‑465‑1212 and gas emergencies at 1‑800‑233‑5325; call 911 for life‑threatening situations.