Winter safety tips for personal lines policyholders

Some may think preparing for winter means moving the lawnmower to the back of the garage, then moving the snowblower to the front. However, there is much more to consider. Preparing vehicles and property for colder weather and knowing how to drive in wintry conditions is a great place to start. Share these helpful tips with your policyholders, and stay warm and safe this season!

Vehicle preparations and winter driving tips:

Winterize your vehicle: Check your vehicle’s tire pressure, anti-freeze, battery, windshield wipers and windshield wiper fluid. This is also a good time to check headlights, taillights, signals and flashers.
Keep your vehicle’s tank at least half full to avoid moisture build-up leading to rusting. This is also important in case a bad storm hits and the drive home takes longer than expected.
Keep electric cars charged and remember that you may see reduced mileage and slower charge times.
Prepare for a road emergency by assembling an emergency travel kit with blankets, jumper cables, flashlights, emergency road flares, a reflective hazard triangle, a bag of rock salt, bottled water and non-perishable food.
Slow down – winter weather conditions call for slower speeds. Weather conditions can quickly change the road surfaces, creating a need for more time to react.
Add extra distance between your vehicle and other vehicles. This gives you more time to stop on slippery roads and can help you avoid those not driving safely for the conditions.
Use headlights and wipers – keep your windows clear for full visibility and keep your headlights on so other drivers can see you. Be sure to scrape frost from windows, and remove all snow from your car.
Stay focused and always remain vigilant behind the wheel. In harsh driving conditions it is especially important to drive defensively and stay off your phone.

Preparing your property for winter:

Protect indoor pipes by adding pipe insulation around exposed copper or PVC water pipes under sinks, in attics and crawl spaces, and exterior wall pipes. Holes around pipes can be filled with spray foam insulation. Open water faucets to allow a slow trickle of water in the lines to prevent freezing. Burst pipes are expensive to repair and can cause extensive damage.
Insulate attics and crawl spaces. Insulation not only saves on energy bills; keeping heat in your home and out of an attic can help prevent damaging ice dams.
Tune up your heating system – don’t be left out in the cold! An annual inspection of your furnace will keep it running efficiently and safely. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from a heating source (furnace, fireplace/wood stove, portable heaters). Heating sources are the leading cause of home fire deaths.
Inspect your chimney annually and have it serviced when necessary. Heating equipment is one of the most common causes of house fires.
Caulk around windows and doors – gaps between siding, windows and doors not only lets the cold air in, but moisture as well, which can lead to damaged wood and mold. Weatherstripping will also help to decrease drafts.
Swap in storm windows and doors – install additional glass windows and doors as an extra insulating layer. They also provide an extra layer of protection from rain and snow.
Use a licensed roofing contractor to repair loose roofing shingles. Loose shingles allow water and moisture to leak into your home.
Clean and inspect gutters – clogged gutters in the winter can allow water to back up and freeze.
Ensure outdoor spigots are turned off, then remove and drain garden hoses. If your home does not have frost-proof faucets, shut off the water supply valve inside the house to reduce the risk of a burst inside pipe from trapped water.
Inspect trees – dead branches covered in snow can snap off causing property damage or injury. Hire a tree service to remove dead and ailing limbs before the first snow.
Repair patios and pavers – the winter freeze-and-thaw cycle will cause loose stones and pavers to worsen. Repairing before winter will limit further damage.
Test the sump pump – not only before winter, but every few months. Slowly pour several gallons of water into the sump basin to ensure it runs. This is especially important after long dry spells.
Verify smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Make sure home exhaust vents are free from ice, snow or other debris.
Consider smart home technology. Smart thermostats save money on heating. Smart technology monitors for water leaks and fires. You can even qualify for a discount on your Encova homeowners policy by using smart home technology.
Clear fallen snow by sprinkling salt or sand on walkways and stairs to reduce the risk of slips and falls. Also, keep snow removed from driveways, porches and decks.

Winter safety resources