Every year when spring rolls around, we find ourselves practicing tornado drills or talking to our families about fire safety. The goal in both cases is to be prepared and to keep our families safe in case of an actual event. In the past, I’ve written blogs about both topics; however, do you ever think about being prepared for a winter storm?
I don’t think too much about it. Maybe it’s because Southeast Wisconsin hasn’t seen a significant winter storm in several years.
Winter storms can be as dangerous as other storms we face throughout the year. They interrupt society by shutting down schools, transportation, and vital services.
Here are some tips to keep you and your family safe when the next big winter storm hits.
1. Understand what your insurance policy covers. A standard policy covers various things, such as vehicle crashes, wind-related damage, and burst pipes. Depending on the insurance policy you bought, it may not cover everything.If you experience flooding during a winter storm, it’s not covered under a standard homeowner’s or renter’s policy. A separate policy must be purchased through FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program. Talk to your insurance agent if you have questions about your policy.
2. Consider alternate heating sources. If you live in an area frequently hit with storms or power outages, consider purchasing a generator or an additional heating source that doesn’t rely on electricity. Consult with your agent as not every heating source is covered by insurance.
3. Understand what the different advisories and warnings mean. Every year, storms change course. The change could lead to a little or a lot of snow. Nevertheless, you should know the difference between a winter storm watch, winter storm warning, blizzard warning, etc.
4. Winterize your home. Take advantage of those lovely fall days to ensure your home is ready. Consider a furnace inspection and chimney cleaning yearly. Once the winter season begins, keep an eye on your roof. Heavy snow can lead to collapse. Freezing and thawing temperatures can lead to ice dams.
5. Winterize your vehicle. Consider taking your car to your local mechanic for a checkup or to make that repair you’ve been neglecting. If you’re taking a longer road trip, share your travel details with family and friends and take a three-day supply of water and non-perishable food. Lastly, don’t forget extra medication.
6. Always ask yourself ... Every day, we encounter risk. The goal of insurance is to transfer risk and protect yourself and your property. Insurance, however, can’t protect you from everything. Severe storms and other weather conditions can put us more at risk. Ask yourself:
- Does it make sense to drive too fast for conditions?
- Does it make sense to ignore alerts and warnings?
- Does it make sense to set your heat low to save on energy costs?
- Does it make sense to shovel snow yourself instead of asking for help?
Do you have any suggestions or information you would like to share? I’d love to hear from you. Please share them in the box below.
