Extreme Cold and Winter Storm Ahead: Protect Your Home and Stay Winter-Ready
With cold temperatures and a major winter storm predicted to bring heavy snow this weekend, now is the time to prepare. Taking steps today can help protect your home from frozen pipes, heavy snow, and other winter-related damage. Preparing in advance can also help prevent costly repairs and avoid issues with insurance claims.
Potential Risks
- Heavy snow and ice accumulation can cause roof collapses or lead to tree limbs to break off and fall onto houses and parked vehicles.
- Pipes can freeze in extreme temperatures.
- Ice dams form when heavy snow melts and then refreezes due to inadequate attic insulation, resulting in interior water damage.
Before the Storm
- Review your home and auto insurance coverage. Ensure you know what is covered and that your coverage limits meet your needs.
- Document your possessions using the CID Home Inventory Checklist.
- Download your insurer’s mobile app and store your policy information in a safe, easy-to-access place.
- Save your insurer’s contact information on your phone.
Protect Against Snow, Ice, and Freezing Pipes
- Clear your gutters and drains so melting snow and ice can flow away from your home.
- Move heat sources away from open attic spaces under the roof to prevent uneven melting.
- Seal and insulate attic openings, like vents, to keep warm air inside.
- Consider installing heating cables along eaves, gutters, and downspouts, or on flat roofs. These help create a safe path for water to drain.
- Protect your pipes from freezing by detaching garden hoses, shutting off outdoor water lines, letting faucets drip slightly during extreme cold, and opening cabinet doors under sinks so warm air can reach the pipes.
During Extreme Cold and Snow
- Keep your heat on, even overnight and when you are away.
- Turn up the heat in areas where pipes may be exposed.
- Monitor weather conditions and avoid unnecessary travel. If you must drive, check local weather and traffic reports first.
- When safe, clear snow and ice from gutters and downspouts to prevent buildup.
Important: Most insurance policies cover sudden pipe bursts only if the home was properly heated and maintained. Homes left without heat or unattended for long periods may not be covered, so please review your policy. .
After the Storm
- Contact your insurer as soon as possible to report any damage.
- Take clear photos or videos of the damage before cleaning up.
- Prevent further damage, but do not make permanent repairs until your insurer has inspected the property.
- Keep detailed records of all conversations with your insurer.
We’ve Got Your Back
If you have trouble reaching your insurer, questions about a claim, or concerns about your policy, contact the Connecticut Insurance Department. Contact us by phone, 860-297-3900, by email insurance@ct.gov, or through our Insurance Department website.
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