Your home is a place of comfort and shelter; don’t let winter weather put that at risk. To keep your family and your property safe, however, you should remain aware of the risks that can threaten both. Similar considerations apply to your automobiles during the winter.
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Summary
- Seasonal perils can damage homes and automobiles and jeopardize safety.
- Homeowners can mitigate risks to their property with proper planning and preparedness.
- Pack items for safety and comfort in vehicles in case of emergency.
Damage to homes in winter may come from various internal and external sources, including:
- Severe weather. In colder climates, snow, hail, freezing rain, and plunging temperatures can all cause damage. For example, extreme cold can result in power outages and burst pipes, while heavy snow and ice accumulation can impair roofs, impede drainage, and knock down large trees. In other locations, windstorms and excess rainfall frequently cause exterior damage, floods, and sewer backups.
- Wildfire. Drought conditions across the United States create wildfire risks that are breaking historical seasonal patterns. In many areas, wildfire “season” now lasts all year. Whether the ignition source is a lightning strike or aging utility infrastructure, wildfires spread quickly and can be deadly.
- Plumbing. Water that is contained and available on demand is a modern amenity many of us take for granted, but water flowing uncontrolled from a burst pipe or broken fixture can turn into a nightmare. Winter weather’s effect on exposed pipes can lead to floods and extensive damage inside a home.
- Electrical systems. Electrical fires cause an estimated 51,000 home fires, hundreds of deaths, more than 1,000 injuries, and at least $1.3 billion in property damage each year, according to the Electrical Safety Foundation International.
- Heating sources. Furnaces, fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, space heaters, clothes dryers, and other heat-producing appliances can spark house fires. In addition, burning fossil fuels produces carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas that may cause serious injury or death in poorly ventilated areas.
Mitigating home risks
Winter is predictable only in its time of arrival. Even though it begins at the same time every year, it’s hard to forecast how harsh it will be. No matter if the season is mild or ferocious, homeowners can mitigate their risks through planning and preparation. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your home and family stay warm and safe this year:
Helpful tips to ensure your home and family stay warm and safe:
Home construction materials
- Ensure your home and any new construction comply with applicable building codes. This can reduce severe weather risks.
- Inspect your home for loose or missing roof shingles, clogged gutters and drainpipes, and neglected landscape maintenance to reduce your home’s exposure to damage. Use fire-resistant building materials and landscaping elements to mitigate wildfire risk and increase a home’s resistance.
Plumbing devices
- Make sure your water sensors, sump pumps, and automatic shutoff valves are functioning properly. These devices offer a first line of defense against broken pipes and other potential damaging water sources.
- Cover your outdoor spigots and lawn irrigation sprinklers with insulating material, as cold air and frost can enter piping through outdoor water fixtures.
Fire prevention
- Inspect fire alarms, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they’re in good working condition or have fresh batteries as they can alert you to life and home-threatening situations.
- Clean fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, and dryers regularly to prevent the buildup of combustible material and maintain proper ventilation.
- Place fire extinguishers and/or fire blankets in designated areas of the home, such as kitchens and garages, to have them handy in case of sparks or flames.
- Develop an evacuation plan to avoid becoming trapped inside a home surrounded by fire.
Electrical systems
- Have a professional evaluate the electrical system, particularly in older homes, to ensure it meets current codes or needs upgrading. A thorough inspection by a qualified electrician is recommended by the Electrical Safety Foundation International.
- Avoid overloading circuits or using electrical cords that show signs of wear or exposed wiring.
- If electrical systems spark, cause lights to dim or flicker, or produce a buzzing sound, discontinue use and consult a qualified electrician.
Power outages
- Consider purchasing a backup generator to mitigate the risk of power outages knocking out critical home systems. If you already own a generator, do a test run and check the maintenance to ensure it’s ready for use if you need it.
- Have these items in the home at all times: flashlights, extra drinking water, and nonperishable food, a charged portable charging device, extra batteries for battery-powered items such as radios, a first-aid kit, and maintenance prescription medications in the event winter weather strands you or your family members or a prolonged power outage occurs. Supplies for infants or the elderly, as applicable, are also helpful to keep on hand.
Leaving your primary home for winter?
Some owners of second homes may vacate their primary home in a colder climate for an extended period. In this case, risk mitigation options include:
- Leaving heat set at 55 degrees or warmer (if you have an alarm system, you could have a low temperature sensor installed which would alert the alarm if the home hits less than 50 degrees - this may even offer an insurance credit).
- Shutting off water and draining plumbing systems
- Monitoring inside and outside of home with remote cameras and sensors
On the road
Winter is a notoriously challenging season for drivers. Roads can quickly become icy and treacherous, and visibility can shrink to zero in a heartbeat. The risks of property damage and personal injury are heightened in such conditions.
Preparation is key to mitigating automobile risks in winter. Driving in severe weather is best avoided, if possible.
Steps that can reduce risks and improve safety include:
- Inspect your vehicle to ensure that lights, tires, battery, windshield wipers, belts, and hoses are in good operating condition.
- Keep the fuel tank at least half full.
- Allow plenty of time to reach your destination. Let others know your planned route and expected time of arrival. Consider sharing your location via your cellphone with a trusted individual.
- Stock your vehicle with items you may need should you become stranded. These could include a cellphone charger or battery pack, shovel and windshield scraper, flashlight, booster cables, road flares or reflective signs, water and nonperishable food, blankets, and a first-aid kit.
If you need assistance preparing your home for winter, engage a personal risk advisor experienced in building codes and safety devices.
Schedule an insurance review with a Personal Risk Advisor before the next winter storm to ensure you have proper insurance protection.
