Winter weather can be harsh; protect your home from the elements

Make no mistake about it, winter has arrived. More frigid temperatures and winter storms are likely until spring arrives with its welcoming, warmer temperatures.

As we wait for spring’s return, it’s important to make sure we prepare our homes to protect them from damage caused by winter weather. Snow and ice accumulation could cause tree branches to break, falling onto our homes and causing damage.

Here are some suggestions offered by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners for ways to limit the risk of damage to your home:

• Cut branches that are dead, dying, diseased or broken. Make sure there aren’t any tree limbs hanging over your home or cars.
• Get a professional to inspect your roof.
• Use a long-handled roof rake to remove snow from your roof.

Ice can damage your roof when snow melts and then refreezes. Once the ice melts, it can leak and cause indoor water damage. To limit such damage:

• Clear debris, like leaves and sticks, from gutters and downspouts to help water flow.
• Install gutter guards to prevent debris build-up.
• Ask a professional to evaluate the insulation and ventilation in your home.

Experience has taught us that pipes can freeze and burst during extreme temperatures. Interior and exterior pipes, such as irrigation lines and garden hoses are also at risk.

We may not have well-insulated interior pipes since we live in a generally warmer climate than our northern neighbors. These pipes may not withstand below-freezing temperatures. Here are some tips to help avoid damage from freezing pipes and hoses:

• Detach garden hoses and irrigation lines from your home.
• Seal leaks or cracks around pipes.
• Leave your faucet running with a slight drip and open cabinet doors under your sinks to protect interior pipes. This allows water to keep moving through interior pipes, reducing the chances of freezing by allowing warm air to circulate around your plumbing lines.

Here are some other suggestions:

• Get your chimney cleaned and inspected annually. Backup can cause fires.
• Review your homeowners’ or renters’ insurance coverage to make sure winter weather damage is covered by your policy. Contact your insurance agent or company if you have questions.

If you have any insurance questions or complaints, you may call the Department of Insurance weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 855-408-1212. You may also contact us online at www.ncdoi.gov