Prepare Your Home for the Winter Cold and Snow

Winter is just upon us and our first snowstorm is in the forecast this weekend as we continue to track Winter Storm Decima.

Here's some tips courtesy of Travelers Insurance to get you through the winter by prepping your house:

According to Travelers claims data, weather-related issues made up 51% of homeowner’s claims from 2009-2015. Of these, water-related issues made up 11% - including things such as roof/flashing leak-related losses, freezing (i.e. pipes freezing and bursting) and ice dam-related losses.)

But, if homeowners take the time before Decima hits to perform certain maintenance and preparation steps, their property, finances and family may be better protected. Following are a few tips from Travelers:

• Prepare the roof: As snow accumulates, use a roof rake, when safe to do so, to clear snow about three to four feet from the edge of your roof soon after each storm. Snow accumulation along the edge of your roof increases the likelihood of an ice dam developing, which prevents water from draining off the roof. This water can then back up underneath roof shingles and make its way into your home.

• Consider the pipes: Set your heat no lower than 55 degrees and check for water leaks and fix problems immediately (for example, wrap water piping in UL-Listed heat tape and insulate it if it is exposed in unheated areas.)

• Check your supplies: Make sure that you have sufficient heating fuel for your home and call for a delivery if needed. If you plan to use a generator, make sure you have fuel on hand for that as well.

• Get Ready for a Power Outage: Charge your cell phones, get out our fashlights, batteries, first aid kit and other emergency supplies, and open doors to unoccupied rooms and spaces like under-sink cabinets to keep an even temperature throughout the house.

• Stay Warm and Safe: Test all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they work properly. If you have an ice dam prevention system, turn it on before the snow starts to fall.

#winter #preparedness