The weather in the winter can be crazy. That is why having the appropriate homeowner's insurance is crucial. Ice, snow, and wind can do serious damage to your home. Fortunately, there are steps you may take to protect yourself from winter harm.
Suggestions for Keeping Your Home Safe
- Keep snow and ice off roofs and gutters, and clear walkways of snow.
- During storms, power wires are susceptible. Lightning strikes can easily shatter power lines, and fallen branches can blow up transformers, resulting in major power outages. Consider getting a home generator to keep your power on in the event of long-term power outages due to harsher weather patterns.
- Trim the trees around your house, as well as any trees that are close to your neighbor's house.
- Identify the location of your main water shutoff valve.
- Cover exterior water faucets with coverings.
- Inspect the attic for signs of water intrusion.
- If you live in a region where high winds are common or where hurricanes are common, storm shutters can keep your windows from breaking and protect you from flying debris.
- To keep inside water faucets from freezing, you may need to turn them on.
- Check to see if your heating system is up to par.
- Close the fireplace flue if you aren't using your fireplace.
- If you're going away, set your thermostat to no lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit.