The risk of you needing to file a home insurance claim significantly increases during the winter months. Extreme weather events such as blizzards and ice storms combined with increased use of home heating devices pose dangers to homeowners. The good news is, there are things you can do to make your home safer. Here’s what you should do to prepare your house for winter.
1. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors Once you begin using your furnace, fireplace and electric heaters, you increase your risk of starting fires and being exposed to carbon monoxide. Test your alarms and detectors to make sure they’re working. It could protect your home and save your life. 2. Test your sump pump A sump pump can protect your home from costly flood damage. Ensure it’s working and consider installing a backup, battery-powered sump pump in case there’s a power outage during a storm. 3. Clean your gutters and downspouts Making certain your eavestroughs are clean will ensure that melting snow has somewhere to go. Clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to ice buildup and damming, which can damage your roof. 4. Clean your dryer vents Clothes dryers are a leading cause of house fires in North America. Make sure your exterior dryer vent is free of snow and clean. A clogged vent blocks the necessary airflow from your dryer. Blockages also increase your risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if your dryer uses natural gas. 5. Inspect your chimney Make sure your chimney is clean, get it swept if necessary and be sure to call a professional if you spot any problems. 6. Clear your driveway and walkways Keep your walkways and driveway clear of ice and snow. Use de-icing salts with sodium chloride on slippery surfaces. By maintaining clear passageways, you’ll decrease the risk of slips and falls for visitors and members of your household. 7. Check your pipes Frozen pipes can crack and then leak water into your home once they melt. Check your exterior pipes for wear and tear, drain them and insulate them. 8. Update your home insurance policy Examine your home insurance policy and make certain it gives you the coverage you need. Home insurance in Nova Scotia The brokers at Eisenhauer Insurance Inc. can help you secure a comprehensive home insurance policy. We’re happy to help you review your current policy and suggest potential updates to ensure you’re covered for fire as well as weather and water damage. We can also help you secure car and travellers insurance. To speak to an expert and get a free quote, contact us today at our location in Dartmouth or Halifax, NS.