Winter Safety Tips for Homeowners and Renters

With the winter season comes cold weather and snow, making the landscape picturesque and tranquil. It’s great fun for kids as they get out and play but, for homeowners, snow can be a real hassle. Snow and ice can cause devastating damage to both the inside and outside of your home, as too can things like carbon monoxide poisoning and fires. The good news is that you can take steps to protect your home during these winter storms, the cold weather, and the freezing temperatures. We have put together a short guide to get you started and ready for the winter. If you have any questions, contact our office at 413.475.7283 or Complete our online quote form today!

Prepare Your Pipes for the Winter!

One of the main causes of damage to homes during the winter is damage caused to the home by pipes that burst when water freezes. When pipes burst in your home, it could sustain devastating damage from large quantities of water flowing into the home’s foundation. There are several things you can do though to prevent pipes from bursting. Follow these steps to prevent this kind of damage.

First of all, to prevent damage from burst water pipes, you should make sure that you keep your home at a temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit or above.
If you turn on your faucet and notice that there is either no water or very little, then it is highly likely you have a frozen pipe. You can deal with this problem by identifying the pipe and thawing it if it easy to access by using measures, such as a hairdryer, heater, or electrical tape.
Ensure that pipes are well insulated with foam covers. During periods of extreme cold weather turn on taps so that water can flow through the pipes

Inspect Your Roof

In order to prevent damage to your home, you should make an inspection of your roof before the first snowfall comes. You need to be on the lookout for any damage, such as loose or broken shingles that are susceptible to storms and melting snow. Pay attention to chimneys and make sure they are sealed and in good condition. If there are small repairs to be made and you are capable then carry them out, otherwise obtain the services of a roofer or handyman to carry out any essential maintenance. Ensure that you clear away any debris from the roof and guttering that could cause rotting or prevent water flowing away.

Prepare for Power Outages

In the event of heavy snowstorms, power lines can be affected leaving your home not just in darkness but in the freezing cold. It is best to plan for this eventuality—investing in a generator is an excellent idea. You should also have flashlights and other battery-powered devices to light your home. Make sure that you have plenty of batteries to power these devices. A radio will allow you to connect with local weather updates. Make sure that the radio runs on batteries or solar power. Another handy device to have is a solar-powered cell phone charger so that you can check on friends and family as well as weather information.

Check Outdoor Lighting

Before the winter sets in make a check to see that all your outdoor lighting is in working order. When it is dark and there is ice on paths to your home, all too often falls can happen. Change the light bulbs to make sure that they will last throughout the winter months. You can save money by having lighting with sensors or you can purchase light bulbs that are operated from your smartphone.

Remove Icicles and Dams

It can be fun watching icicles form around the exterior of your home but they can be lethal and cause damage. Remove any icicles safely by wearing safety goggles and a hard hat. If it is not safe for you to do so and the icicles which have formed are large or high up then call in the services of a professional. Always warn children to stay away from icicles.

Ice dams happen when the insulation in the attic is poor or when there are ice leaks. Once again, it is best to hire a professional that can identify any such problems. Always warn children to stay away from icicles.

Clear Driveways and Sidewalks

Sideways and driveways can be treacherous when they are covered with ice from melted snow and slippery snow. You can keep your family safer from falls by having snow shovels handy. Clear away a path that your family can use to make access to your home more safely. Using a snowblower is also an option. Remember to follow this step by using rock salt that will melt away any ice that will form on the frozen ground. If you have a large driveway and clearing paths may take a while, prevent frostbite by wearing protective clothing, including boots, hats, and gloves.

Home Environment

During winter months, your family are at risk of picking up illnesses as bacteria can develop easily when your family are contained at home. Once one family member has a virus, this can easily spread to the whole family. You can take steps to help prevent an outbreak by keeping your home a little less warm so that bacteria cannot thrive. Turning down your thermostat approximately five degrees can also reduce the risk of infection as well as saving money.

Insurance

Most insurance claims are made during the winter months and spring thaws. In the event of your property becoming damaged, you should take steps to make sure that you are covered. Read your insurance documents and look out for the terms and conditions involving burst pipes and basement floods. If you are not covered then you should update your policy or change insurers.

You should have the details to hand and know where your policy documents are filed away in a safe place. Keep the insurers contact details on your smartphone. When making new purchases, it is a good idea to keep receipts so that, in the event of you having to make a claim, you have all the proof you need to process your claim more quickly.

Speak with one of our agents to update and make sure you have the right coverage for your needs. Encharter Insurance is an independent insurance agent meaning we can provide coverage from many insurance carriers so you receive the home insurance for your budget and needs! You can reach us at (413) 475-7283 or online at https://www.encharter.com/personal-insurance/home-insurance/.

Source: https://staysafe.org/protect-your-home-with-these-winter-safety-tips/

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