5 Ways You Can Prepare Your Home for Winter Storms

Winter storms can wreck your home. Winter storms can wreck your home. Taking preventive steps to winterize your home before the next big storm can make your house safer and may even save you money.

1. Inspect and insulate pipes:

Insulate exposed pipes and seal cracks to prevent them from leaking or bursting. It’s also a good idea to know where your main water shutoff valve is. If your pipes do freeze, the faster you shut off the water, the better chance you have of preventing pipes from bursting and causing major damage elsewhere in your home.
 

2. Check your heating system:

Have your heating system(s) serviced to make sure they are working properly at least once a year. This will give you peace of mind that they will run properly all winter long.
 

3. Inspect your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors:

As you light more fires in the fireplace and use indoor heaters in the winter, residential fires and carbon monoxide poisoning increase, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Check your detectors regularly to make sure they are in proper working condition.
 

4. Trim nearby trees:

Ice, snow, wind and rain can all cause weak trees and tree limbs to fall and damage your car or home. Before the winter storms hit, trim back any nearby dead tree branches.
 

5. Check for exterior cracks and holes:

Sealing any exterior cracks or holes in your home can help to keep your energy bill low and your home free of mold. If you find cracks, caulk or apply weather stripping to prevent warm air from escaping or moisture from getting in.

For more information on how you can protect your home, speak with a local AAA South Jersey Insurance Agent.
Call: 855.282.2275 | Visit: AAA.com/Insurance