Guarding against these winter home hazards.
As the weather turns cooler – and in New York, downright cold – we spend more time in our homes, and the risk for some types of potentially catastrophic home damage increases. To prevent disasters during the merriest of seasons, check out these tips.
Water Damage
The colder temperatures can freeze pipes. When water freezes, it expands. As a result, pipes burst and flood areas of the home when the temperatures rise again.
- Insulate exterior and exposed pipes with thick insulation. Heat tape can also be used when the temperatures are extremely cold.
- Seal air leaks by filling in gaps in your windows and doors. This will improve your home’s heat efficiency, too.
- Leave your heating on low overnight and even when you leave town for a couple of days. If you leave for an extended period of time, ask a trusted friend to check on the property periodically.
Fire Damage
We light fires, turn on space heaters, and light candles during the wintertime. Additionally, there’s more cooking and entertaining during the festive season. As a result, the risk for fires in homes increases exponentially in the colder months.
- Have your chimney inspected and cleaned regularly. Ensure the flue is open before you light a fire.
- Candles should never be left unattended. Place them out of reach of children and pets.
- Don’t overload electrical outlets with holiday decorations.
- Place space heaters away from flammable materials. Turn them off before leaving the room.
- Do not leave items on the stove unattended, and keep towels and other flammable materials away from the cooktop.
These tips can help prevent disasters from happening during the holiday season. Take a close look at your home insurance policy to ensure you have the right amount of coverage. Contact the independent insurance professionals Perry & Carroll in Elmira, New York for all of your homeowners insurance coverage needs this season.