Brrrr…it’s cold outside! Prepare and prevent mishaps

Along with winter come cozy evenings by the fire and trips to the slopes. But, winter weather also brings a number of risks for you, your family, and your property. Pipes can burst, fireplaces can cause smoke and other damage, and roofs can strain under the load of snow and ice.

Before Winter Weather Arrives

• Winter-proof your car with good snow tires or chains, new wiper blades, antifreeze and emergency road supplies.
• Keep your attic cool to help prevent ice dams.
• Insulate the attic floor and make sure it’s well ventilated.
• Keep your home stocked with emergency supplies, including food and flashlights.
• Hire a professional to inspect, clean and repair your fireplace and chimney, if needed, to reduce fireplace risks.
• Sign up for mobile weather alerts.
• Ensure all family members have proper cold weather gear.
• Service your furnace, snow blower, and generator, if needed.
• If your heating source requires any type of fuel, be sure to stock up.
• Make sure fire extinguishers are on hand and that all family members know how to use them.

During a Winter Storm

• If you don’t have to drive, stay home!
• If you must drive, make sure you’ve winterized your car, have a full tank of gas and a fully charged phone.
• When the air is cold, keep bath and kitchen cabinet doors open so warm air can circulate around outer wall pipes.
• If pipes do freeze, let them thaw normally as they’ll be less likely to burst.
• If the power is out, make sure you don’t leave candles or fires burning unattended.
• If you use a portable generator, follow the instructions, and don’t use it indoors.
• Ensure any animals on your property are safe.

After a Winter Storm

Once the worst of the storm is over and you know your family and pets are safe, take steps to:

• Shovel your sidewalk so your property is safe for others, but take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water to avoid overexertion.
• Check on neighbors and senior family members who may require help.
• Clear off fire hydrants and the surrounding area to be sure hydrants are visible to firefighters.
• Reduce the strain of snow accumulation on top of structures, if possible to safely do so with a roof rake.
• Tune in to radio or TV broadcasts for information on road and weather conditions.
• Completely brush or scrape snow and ice off your car before driving.
• Conserve heat by keeping curtains or blinds closed and by closing the doors to rarely used rooms, especially if your heat source goes out.
• If you’re active outdoors, cover your body from head to toe and change out of any wet clothes immediately.
• Ensure outdoor animals have adequate shelter and water that is not frozen.
• Find temporary shelter, if needed, by texting SHELTER and your zip code to 43362 (4FEMA).

Review your policy with your Hometown Insurance Independent Agent at 1-800-568-SAVE (7283) or email service@hometowninsurance.com to check your coverage.

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