With cold weather approaching, people are beginning to think about how to prepare for the dangers of winter weather. Fortunately, if you are careful, you can make sure to avoid the worst possible consequences of the cold, snow, and ice. Here are five steps you should take to help protect yourself from the possibility of a winter storm:
- Clean your gutters
- Cleaning your home’s gutters may not seem like a very important step, but when facing winter weather, it can make the difference between getting through the winter intact and facing hundreds or thousands of dollars in home repairs. Clogged gutters can allow snowmelt to accumulate and form ice dams, which can damage your roof and cause water to leak into your home. Cleaning your gutters ensures the melt will flow to the ground appropriately, preventing ice dams from forming in the first place.
- Stock up on salt and sand
- Salt and sand are critical to getting through the winter safely. Salt can help to melt snow and ice more quickly, while sand can help provide traction and prevent falls due to slippery conditions. You should also make sure to have some sand for your car, to help you get traction in the event that you get stuck on the road during a storm.
- Make sure your home is properly insulated
- Insulation can make an enormous difference in your ability to properly weather a winter storm. When well-insulated, your home can better retain heat, helping you to stay warm for longer if your heat goes out. It can also prevent your pipes from freezing, potentially saving you from potential damage due to a burst pipe.
- Have your chimney cleaned
- If you have any intention of using your fireplace, you should make sure your chimney is properly cleaned. This has two main benefits: first, it can allow you to use your fireplace in the event that your power and heat goes out, and second, it can prevent carbon monoxide buildup due to burning wood, gas, or kerosene. You should also make sure your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly, to prevent a disaster due to your chosen heating methods.
- Have emergency supplies ready
- At any time, a winter storm may become bad enough that you may lose power, heat, or water, and you need to be prepared for that possibility. Before any major storm, ensure you are stocked up on non-perishable food, bottled water, and any essential medications. The better prepared you are for the storm, the better you will be able to survive until things return to normal.
Anytime your home or other dwelling has been ruined or severely damaged, it is essential that you protect your property and the interest of your investment by enlisting the services of a Rubin and Rosen public adjuster. We can provide the assistance you need by helping you to work through the entire insurance process. If you want to make a property insurance claim and need assistance to obtain fair compensation for your losses, please give us a call at 718-376-6800 or visit our contact page.