Paul Dreher Director of Personal Insurance View Bio

With heavy winter weather and cold temperatures expected, taking extra safety precautions is essential to protecting what matters most.

Check out these tips from our friends at Hanover to help keep you and your home safe before, during, and after a storm.

Before the storm

  1. Charge your phone and electronic devices.
  2. Set your thermostat to 60 degrees or higher and place your refrigerator on its coldest setting.
  3. Know where the main water shutoff is and how it works (in case pipes freeze).
  4. Fill your car and generator with fuel and keep extra fuel on hand.
  5. Keep home ventilation clear and shovel out vents.
  6. Invest in a roof rake and check existing snow loads on your roof.
  7. Prepare your emergency kit and emergency plan.

During the storm

  1. Keep the heat at 60 degrees or higher and close entries to unheated spaces to prevent frozen pipes.
  2. Use generators outside where exhaust fumes can’t enter through window or door cracks.
  3. Turn refrigerators and freezers to “high” in case of power outages.
  4. Fill tubs and sinks with water (for washing and flushing only) if you are on a well.
  5. Be careful when using a wood stove, fireplace, or space heater.

After the storm

  1. Check the roof – Consider hiring a contractor to remove snow from your roof to help prevent ice dams.
  2. Clear out the snow – Remove snow from side walls and areas surrounding downspouts so that melting water has a path to flow away from the property.
  3. If there is flooding: clean up pools of water, dry damp areas to prevent mold and mildew, move damp items outdoors when safe to prevent mold growth, and move items away from damp areas.

Along with these tips, it’s also crucial to take steps to prevent your pipes from freezing in cold weather. Click here for more details on how to protect your pipes and handle frozen pipes if they occur.

Lawley is committed to helping you and your loved ones stay safe. To learn more and contact our team, click here.