Prevent Winter-Related Home Damage and Injuries

As an insurance agent, I have seen many claims every winter related to cold weather and holiday activities. Most common are ice dams causing water damage and slips and falls on frozen surfaces.

It’s a shame, since most of the losses are preventable by applying some simple tips that may help reduce the chance of injury and property damage this winter.

Clean your gutters. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and seep into your house. If you can’t clean your gutters safely, hire someone who can.

Insulate to avoid ice dams. Make sure your ceiling is airtight so warm air can’t flow from the house into the attic. Once you’ve sealed any air leakages, consider adding more insulation. With a well-insulated attic, the roof will stay cold, and snow will be less likely to melt and refreeze.

Use your fireplace safely. Make sure the damper is open and always use a grate or a screen in front of the fireplace. Never leave a fire unattended, and never use lighter fluid or the like to start a fire. Keep a fire extinguisher handy.

Water your Christmas tree. A dry Christmas tree laden with festive decorations is highly flammable. Water your tree daily so it stays green. Fires can be caused by electrical lights strung on a tree, so always turn lights off before leaving the house or going to bed. Keep the tree away from heat sources such as a fireplace or a space heater.

Take care with a wood stove. Use only dry, well-seasoned wood, and don’t burn coal in a wood stove, which isn’t designed for the higher heat coal generates.  Never poke an artificial log or burn more than one at a time. They will burn too fast if broken up and may damage your stove and cause a house fire. Keep all combustibles well away from the stove and the chimney pipe.

Get rid of ice and snow on walkways and stairs. It’s very hazardous. Thousands of people every year slip on icy walkways, stairs and landings. Many get severe sprains, even broken bones. Besides shoveling snow promptly, use a melting compound to get rid of the slippery stuff.   

Hang up holiday decorations safely. Don’t hop onto a chair, railing, or countertop to hang up lights and wreaths. That’s inviting a fall. Always use a stable ladder or stool.