12 Ways to Protect Your Home in a Winter Storm

Winter storms can be extremely damaging to your home. The estimated cost of damage from winter storms is estimated at over $1 billion per year, according to insurance industry experts. As fall arrives, take time to prepare for the season to come with important damage-prevention activities. Make sure these items are on your fall to-do list.

1. Gutters. Clean out leaves and debris so melting ice and snow can flow freely. This prevents water from seeping through ceilings, walls and foundations. It's also a good idea to install gutter guards which stop debris from entering your gutters and interfering with the flow of water away from your home.

2. Steps and handrails. Broken stairs and banisters can become dangerous when covered with ice and snow so make any necessary repairs ahead of time.

3. Walls and foundation. Caulk and seal cracks in outside walls and the foundation of your house. Also, make sure your weather stripping is in good shape. Worn weather stripping can let in cool air and allows your warm air to escape.

4. Trees and branches. Snow and ice can cause weak branches to break, endangering homeowners and their property. Trim trees and remove those questionable branches before storm season starts.

5. Sidewalks. It can be a back-breaking chore but keeping your walkways clear of snow and ice can minimize accidents and potential law suits. Many homeowners associations and city governments require sidewalks to be free of snow. If you're not responsible for snow removal, check with your HOA to determine who is.

6. Roof. From the ground, examine your roof for chipped, broken or missing tiles and shingles. Once snow and strong wind gusts arrive, it might be difficult to find someone willing to climb onto your roof for repairs. Now is the time to fix any problems.

7. Fireplace. With colder weather, fireplaces start to heat up. Don't forget to check for soot build-up. Keeping your chimney clean is the best way to avoid fires that can often start in your chimney. Also, if your heating system uses the same chimney, excess soot can interfere with the proper venting of furnace gases.

8. Fire alarms. Check both your fire alarms and your carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they respond properly. With increased fires, cooking and indoor decorations, fire potential also goes up. Don't wait to find out if the batteries are still good; replace all batteries every year at this time.

9. Sprinkler systems. If you have indoor sprinklers have a professional inspect them annually -making sure they check the water flow alarm as well.

10. Insulation. A properly insulated attic will save you a bundle in heating costs -- a particularly important item with today's rising energy prices. Also, don't forget that well-insulated basements and crawl spaces protect your pipes from freezing.

11. Disaster supplies. Every home should have a disaster supply kit for worst-case scenarios. The kit should include a flashlight, batteries, matches, a battery-operated radio, extra house and car keys, wood for the fireplace, non-perishable and ready to eat foods, bottled water, medicines and infant formula.

12. Insurance preparation. In case you ever need to file a claim for damage from a winter storm, here are four things that will make the process easier:

Homeowner policies can vary widely. Make sure your coverage best meets your cost and coverage goals. If you think your coverage might fall short based on recent home upgrades or you've got some room for savings, consider NetQuote as a resource. We will connect you with quality, local agents who can help you find the right price and policy to fit your needs.

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