Steps to Best Prepare Your Home and Property for Winter Weather

Posted in: Personal Insurance

Winter can bring cozy moments, but it also brings cold, snow, and ice that can harm your home. Here are easy steps to keep your home safe and enjoy the season.

Protecting Your Pipes

1. Turn Off Exterior Faucets: Shut off exterior faucets from inside and drain any remaining water to prevent freezing.
2. Avoid Frozen Pipes:
   • Set your thermostat to at least 65°F to maintain warmer temperatures in cold spots.
   • On cold nights, let a faucet trickle slightly to prevent pipe freezing.
   • Use heating tape on pipes and insulate unheated areas like garages.
   • Fix minor pipe issues promptly to prevent bigger problems.
3. Know Your Water Shut-Off: Learn how to turn off water and locate your pipes in case of a frozen pipe emergency.

Heating Systems Maintenance

4. Annual Heating System Check: Schedule yearly maintenance for your heating systems, including chimneys, furnaces, and boilers. It ensures efficient heating and reduces the risk of smoke or fire damage.

Safety Around Your Home

5. Stair and Handrail Repair: Fix broken steps and handrails to prevent accidents when they’re covered with snow and ice.
6. Tree Care: Trim trees and remove dead branches to prevent them from falling on your property due to ice, wind, or snow.
7. Preventing Ice Dams:
   • Add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces to maintain a warmer attic temperature.
   • Install heating cables for gutters to prevent ice dams and ensure water drains properly.
8. Snow Removal from Gutters: Use a roof rake to remove snow from your gutters, preventing ice dam formation.

Get Expert Advice

If you have questions about winterizing your home or want to discuss your risk management strategy, reach out to your insurance broker or risk management firm. Contact us at cbullock@psafinancial.com for assistance. Stay warm and safe this winter season!

About The Author

Cindy Bullock

Cindy is the Personal Lines Development Specialist and is responsible for marketing new accounts, working with underwriters and collaborating closely with PSA account executives. She also works directly with clients to ensure proper coverage. Prior to joining PSA in 2006, Cindy worked for Ashbrook Insurance. Cindy has her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and her CISR designation.