It’s clear that winter has reared its ugly head throughout the country after last week. Snow. Rain. High winds. You name it.
I grew up in a small farming community where conversations about the weather were typical, no matter what season we were in. Weather impacts everything about a farmer’s day-to-day operation.
Now that I work in the insurance industry, I find myself still concerned about weather. I see first hand what happens when Mother Nature gets angry.
During an average year, dangerous weather causes a large percentage of home insurance claims, but some of these claims are preventable. I know what you’re thinking…we can’t control the weather. True, but you can do some small things to prevent damage or inconvenience.
For instance, here are some things to think about this week and in future weeks as you experience nasty weather:
If the temperature drops below zero,
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- let all faucets drip to prevent water freezing inside pipes and
- keep all exterior doors closed as much as possible to prevent heat loss. That way, if you lose power, your home can stay warm longer.
- As snow begins to accumulate in significant amounts, try to remove snow from window wells and against your home’s exterior to maintain proper drainage.
- Keep your attic floor well insulated so heat doesn’t rise from your house. A colder attic means less melting on the roof, and a better chance of preventing ice dams.
- Do not climb onto your roof to remove snow or ice. Nothing is worth the danger, so stay safe! If you suspect a problem with your roof, contact a professional.
- Be careful with candles and space heaters. If you want to see what happens when people aren’t careful, check this video out.
We have several other seasonal tips for you on our web site. Be sure to check them out.
As I’m finishing up this post, I notice it’s snowing and cold…A typical sight where I live in Illinois! Is it April yet?
[Sarah Hock is a supervisor in Research and Development at COUNTRY Financial]
