Xmo Strata Crews On Cold Weather Standby
31 January 2012
Sign installation and maintenance company Xmo Strata says that if forecasts for a cold February turn out to be true its emergency capability will be ready for whatever happens.
The Met Office and other forecasters predict cold weather and possible snow in February; so far this year, mild temperatures and few stormy days have led to less damage than usual to retail and forecourt signage - but because of their shape and dimensions signs are highly vulnerable when winter strikes.
Extreme winds can lift fuel forecourt canopies from their footings - particularly if (as in some cases) the foundations are not up to the job.
“Forecourts owned by major brands tend not to have these problems but on older properties where the foundations may have been installed decades ago, under previous ownership, there may be difficulties,” said Xmo Strata Operations Director Kate Parmentier.
“Forecourt canopies sit horizontally and are essentially wings weighing many tonnes - it's no joke when they're literally rocking out of the ground. Signs, conversely, sit vertically and can act like sails; they can withstand high winds only up to a point.
“That's when they become dangerous and companies need specialist help and know-how to deal with the problem.”
Snow, ice and excessive rain can also damage electrics, lighting and sign materials, causing shorting and possible fire hazards, not to mention the risk of electrocution. Xmo Strata's crews are specially trained in emergency situations involving signs - particularly the many health, safety and liability issues which can arise.
“For liability purposes, companies need to show they called-in appropriately qualified specialist help at the earliest opportunity,” said Mrs Parmentier. “Sign components torn down in 80mph winds can kill - and not just by falling on people or cars. In high winds they can travel hundreds of metres at high speed, sometimes at head height - which is potentially lethal. It calls for professional management and our crews have the expertise to deal with it appropriately.”
The Xmo Strata crews also have the ability to get replacement signs in place quickly so that the site looks clean, fresh and tidy as soon as possible.
