01/23/2024
Winter has been felt more these past weeks. Were you prepared for the storm? Here are some tips for winter preparedness from our friends at Nationwide.
1. Preparing your home for winter storms - Here are key areas to check before the next winter storm to ensure your home is winter-ready:
Insulation – Freezing weather can lead to pipes leaking or bursting, and plummeting temperatures can cause discomfort to your household. Help make your house safe and comfortable for all by insulating walls and attics, installing weatherstrips on doors and windows and using insulation sleeves on water pipes. You may even consider an insulated blanket for your house’s water heater.
Roofing – Is your roof prepared for heavy snow? A contractor can conduct an inspection to ensure it can withstand excessive snowfall and check for areas that need repairs to help keep the roof over your head leak-free. To prevent ice dams, a water-repellent membrane can be installed under your roof covering.
Furniture – It’s important to keep heat circulating in your home during winter. Make sure furniture does not block heating vents, and that the flue to your fireplace (if you have one) is closed when not in use. During extreme cold spells, it may be helpful to keep cabinet doors open, allowing warm air to circulate around pipes in kitchens and bathrooms.
Insurance – We recommend checking to see what your homeowners insurance covers in the event of inclement weather. Review your insurance policy to find out if it covers common wintertime claims such as burst pipes or roof damage from ice dams and to see if you may benefit from additional coverage
2. How to prepare your car for winter - Winter weather can be challenging for even the most experienced drivers. According to the Department of Transportation, 22% of all vehicle crashes in the U.S. – and 16% of fatalities – are due to severe weather such as rain, snow, sleet and ice. It’s important to understand the risks of weather-affected roadways to adequately prepare for treacherous driving conditions.
Adjust your driving patterns – If inclement weather is on its way or already at your door, avoid driving altogether. If you need to drive in harsh conditions, limit your driving hours to daylight. It’s generally a good idea to stick to main roads that will be plowed and salted and to avoid any back road shortcuts.
Check your vehicle before you get behind the wheel – Before you hit the road, top off your car’s fluids, including antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, gas and oil. Inspect your tires for appropriate tread; consider snow tires or chains if you experience multiple adverse winter events where you live.
Stock up in case of road emergencies – Make sure you equip vehicle for the unexpected. Keep a bag of salt or sand in your trunk to melt ice. Store numbers in your phone for both towing services and roadside assistance, which may be available through your auto insurance. Consider keeping a well-stocked emergency kit in your car.
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Learn about how to prepare your home and car for the blast of winter cold by following these helpful tips.
