Home Hacks to Weather Winter Storms

Winter storms caused nearly $6 billion in insured losses in 2022, the second-highest year on record for winter storm insured losses in the last ten years, according to Aon. The third costliest winter event since 1950 occurred in December 2022, amounting to $3.5 billion insured losses. Winter storms include snow, ice, freezing and flooding. Taking preventive steps now to winterize your home can make it safer and may even save you money and time.

Check some of these winter preparedness actions off your to-do list over the weeks ahead. When the storms hit, you’ll be glad you did.

Prepare your home

• Check your heating system: Before firing up your furnace, boiler or chimney, have your heating system(s) serviced to make sure they are working properly. It’s a good idea to have these checked at least once a year.
   
• Inspect and insulate pipes: Carefully inspect pipes for cracks and leaks, and have them repaired as soon as possible. Insulate exposed pipes and seal cracks to prevent them from leaking or even bursting.
   
• Know the location of the main water shutoff valve: If your pipes freeze, the faster you shut off the water, the better chance you have of preventing them from bursting and causing major damage.
   
• Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: As the mercury drops and more of us light fires in the fireplace and use indoor heaters, residential fires and carbon monoxide poisoning increase, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Check your detectors regularly to make sure they are in working condition.
   
• Clean out gutters: Remove leaves, sticks and other debris from gutters so rain and melting snow can flow freely. This will help prevent backed up gutters and water seeping into your house through ceilings and walls.
   
• Trim trees and remove dead branches: Ice, snow, wind and rain can cause weak trees and tree limbs to fall and damage your car or home – or fall on people walking on or near your property.
   
• Seal exterior cracks and holes: To keep your energy bill low and your home free of mold, caulk openings and install weather stripping around windows and doors to prevent cold air and moisture from entering.
   

Be Prepared—stock up on emergency items

• Be sure you have flashlights and a portable radio with extra batteries, any necessary medications, at least three days of water and non-perishable food for family and pets, a can opener, first-aid supplies, heating fuel, and a lighter and/or generous supply of matches.

Don’t forget insurance

For information about auto and home insurance, call your AAA insurance agent or insurance customer service, or visit your local branch.