When we get hit with multiple storms, it isn't enough to clear your sidewalks and decks.

The crushing weight of almost three feet of heavy, wet snow collapsed a section of metal awning on the EconoLodge on Route 940 in Kidder Township on Thursday.There were no injuries, and guests were quickly evacuated.Local fire companies went to the hotel to make sure everyone was safe.The collapse of the awning, which sheltered a second story walkway, happened around noon."There was no structural damage to building," said Carbon County Emergency Management Coordinator Mark Nalesnik.He said there have been no other reports of roof collapses.This week's snowstorm, which started early Thursday morning, packed a one-two punch. First, the region was blanketed with a heavy, wet snow. Then, there was a lull Thursday afternoon before the second upper-cut, a swipe of sleet followed by even more snow, beat down through Thursday night into Friday morning.Some areas are buried under a foot or more of snow, just from this latest storm.The new snow fell atop snow from a recent previous storm.The weight of snow on roofs can cause them to collapse.In February 1994, the roof over the Saylors Lake Pavillion in Saylorsburg, and a garage roof at Parkland High School, Allentown, crumpled under the weight of snow and ice dumped by several storms.DangersFlat roofs are more prone to collapse from the weight of accumulated snow. But snow can also build up around chimneys, increasing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning for those inside the house. The snow can also cause destructive ice dams icy buildup on the edges of roofs and in gutters. The buildup forms a pool that prevents water from running off the roof. the water can run down into walls and cause structural damage.Warning signsHow can home owners tell when accumulated snow is stressing structures?Watch for sagging ridge lines, drooping ceilings, water leaks in interior walls and ceilings, and jammed doors, cracked interior walls near the center of your home, and creaking sounds, according to State Farm Insurance.What to doThe old adage, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, applies.Home owners can install insulation to stop attic air from warming the roof to avoid the ice dams from melting snow.Remove accumulated ice and snow buildup. But it can be a dangerous job, so hire a professional to remove snow from high or pitched rooftops.Roof rakes can be used to pull light snow off porch roofs and low roofs.Ice melt products, such as salt, are not a good idea for roofs as they can damage the materials, leading to more trouble.Don't chip away ice on roof edges because that can damage shingles.