By Karla Sullivan
Severe winter storms that produce strong winds, significant snowfall and below freezing temperatures can also cause dangerous driving conditions and home owner disasters. Massive snowstorms, as the Midwest and Northeast are currently experiencing, can create deaths from hypothermia brought on by accidents while driving as well as home owner disasters due to frozen pipes, down power lines and tree damage.
Approximately 70% of deaths in winter occur in automobiles and about 25% of the deaths in winter weather are because of over exposure to the cold. How can you protect yourself during this type of weather?
Storm travel tips:
Keep your gas tank half full to avoid freezing gas lines.
Make sure your cell phone is fully charged or have a car charger at all times.
Let family or friends know when you are to arrive so someone can keep track of your time.
Travel during the daylight.
Keep an emergency kit in your car that includes a blanket, flashlight and possible non perishable foods in case there is a delay.
Avoid secondary roads and side streets if possible.
Make sure hazard lights are working properly.
If a light is on indicating a tire problem, don’t wait to have it check.
Make sure your auto insurance policy offers the best protection for you especially in poor weather conditions. Collision insurance will cover the damage on your car due to an accident however, if you have a high deductible, you may want to make sure you can cover that initial cost. Liability insurances pays for the other vehicle or property you may have damaged and sometimes provide you with legal advice. Additional services include emergency road service and towing.
Winter weather homeowner warnings:
Watch for tree limbs that may become damaged by the snow and ice.
Maintain pipes, gutters and drains.
Melting snow could turn into trouble and cause flooding.
Make sure electric heaters and fireplaces are in good condition.
Have an emergency plan for home safety including important phone numbers of community help.
Make sure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are intact.
Your homeowners insurance generally covers damage to your home such as trees and limbs falling due to the weight of snow. Leaking roofs may be covered as well but if the home has not been properly maintained prior, this could be a problem and damage may not be covered. That is why assuring property maintenance is key. According to the Insurance Information Institute, some policies may include living expense elsewhere if your home has been severely damaged. At this time of year, it is important to contact your insurance agent to verify the conditions of your policy.
Since the 1980’s, III also states that the average annual winter storm losses have almost doubled. Only the second day into the New Year, the Midwest and Northeast are being pummeled with snow totals past a foot and frigid temperatures after the fall.
Take the weather seriously and make sure you are financially prepared.
