Winter Has Come
Article provided by Gilbert DeLaGarza with DLG Insurance Group. For more information on services offered by DLG Insurance Group please see contact info below this article.
Are You Ready?
We admit it, as insurance professionals, our picture of winter is not exactly cozy. Winter storms mean traffic snarls, hillsides turning into sheets of ice, and cars sliding around like hockey pucks. Cold temperatures can cause pipes to burst, frost swells, and other damage. Heating your home with fireplaces and holiday lighting brings and increased risk of fire.
That peaceful winter scene we see in pictures isn’t always so peaceful. A picture-perfect winter requires a few precautions.
Here are a few of our top tips to help reduce weather related hassles this winter.
- Winterize your car with new wiper blades, antifreeze, emergency road supplies, and a good set of snow tires or chairs if you live in an area where it snows.
- Keep your attic cool to help prevent ice dams. Insulate the attic floor and make sure it is well-ventilated.
- Do not overload circuits with holiday decorations.
When Winter Storms Hit
Like with all things, be smart and err on the side of caution. If you do not have to drive, stay put and safe. If you must drive, make sure you’ve winterized your car properly and have a full tank of gas.
When the air is cold, keep bath and kitchen cabinet doors open so warm air can circulate around the pipes underneath the sinks. It is also a good idea to let water drip in a constant stream over night to prevent freezing. If pipes do freeze, let them thaw naturally, this way they are less likely to burst.
If the power is out, be sure to avoid leaving candles or fires burning unattended. Portable generators are great, but is important to follow instructions and to not use indoors.
Space heaters keep you warm, but can be a huge fire risk. Plug the heater directly into the wall outlet and keep a 3ft. clearance around the heater and keep away from furniture and walls at all times. Do not leave running all night while you are sleeping.
Know What Your Insurance Covers
We want to help you rest easy. You will be more relaxed knowing you have prepared your property properly to lessen the chance of any winter storm damage. Your insurance policy covers repair and rebuilding costs. However, you do have a deductible that applies. Be sure you check your policy to see what is, and what is not, covered as well as confirm your deductible rate.
If you have any questions at all about your coverage, call DLG Insurance Group LLC at 281-415-2635 and we will review your policy and discuss your options to find the perfect fit for your needs.
