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Freezing
Weather Doesn't Have to Damage Your Home
If slippery sidewalks and snow-covered roads aren't enough to contend
with during the winter months, you can face other potential headaches such
as ruined carpets, water damage to ceiling and walls during freezing
weather. You can potentially avoid these aggravations by taking some
simple steps of prevention.
Freezing pipes:
Frozen water in pipes can cause water pressure buildup between the ice
blockage and the closed faucet at the end of a pipe, which leads to pipes
bursting at their weakest point. Pipes in attics, crawl spaces and outside
walls are particularly vulnerable to freezing in extremely cold weather,
where holes in your house’s outside wall for television, cable or
telephone lines allow cold air to reach them.
To keep water in pipes from freezing, take the following steps:
- Fit exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or wrapping to slow the
heat transfer. The more insulation the better.
- Seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near water
pipes with caulking.
- Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells to allow warm air to
circulate around pipes (particularly in the kitchen and bathroom).
- Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets connected to
pipes that run through an unheated or unprotected space. Or drain the
water system, especially if your house will be unattended during cold
periods.
Review your homeowners insurance policy periodically with your
insurance agent to make sure you have sufficient coverage to protect the
investment you’ve made in your home. Report any property damage to your
agent or company representative immediately and make temporary repairs to
prevent further damage.
Source:
Institute for Business & Home Safety
Phone: (813) 286-3400 Fax: (813) 286-9960
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Avoid Fires and Damage to your Home
Recommendations from New York State Insurance Department
"Winter months are typically peak months for home fires. In addition,
the recent frigid conditions in the Northeast, have caused fires as
individuals attempted to stay warm and further property damage has been
done to homes and commercial buildings from water leaks and broken pipes
because of the severe weather," said Superintendent of Insurance Gregory
V. Serio. "The fire and insurance communities have joined forces to
offer expert advice to best prevent home fires or other incidents and to
offer guidance to prepare yourself and your home in case damage does
occur."
State Fire Administrator James A. Burns said, "The destructive nature of
fire can quickly destroy homes and property, and in colder weather, it
is often more difficult for firefighters to extinguish fire before
substantial damage occurs. We strongly encourage everyone to think about
safety and fire prevention on a daily basis, ensure that your home has
smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, and develop an escape plan
in case of fire. While prevention is a critical first step, we also urge
people to review their insurance coverage so they will be protected if a
fire occurs in their home and not face additional hardships in the wake
of a fire."
Chief James King said, "Each year our fire departments across this state
respond to fires that devastate families and communities. The tragedy is
only compounded when we find that the family or business didn't have
simple things, such as working smoke detectors, in home fire drills or
insurance. We can all play a part in ensuring that when fire strikes, it
doesn't take all that we have."
"New Yorkers should ensure that they have adequate homeowners or renters
insurance coverage. With fire losses estimated in excess of $109 million
each year in New York State, it is important to have proper insurance
coverage to help with your financial recovery," added Serio.
In addition to having adequate insurance coverage, the Department, along
with the State’s fire community, advises New Yorkers to take precautions
by installing smoke alarms and having fire extinguishers easily
accessible in your homes.
"It is important to have smoke alarms and/or fire extinguishers in your
home. New Yorkers with installed smoke alarms and/or fire extinguishers
receive 5% discounts on their homeowners or renter’s insurance policies
and the discount alone pays for these items that often prove to be life
saving in critical fire instances," stated Serio.
In New York, a basic homeowner’s policy includes standard fire
insurance. The typical fire insurance policy, named in the policy as
Fire and Extraneous Perils Insurance, covers losses or damage to the
insured property caused typically by fire, lightning, or an explosion of
gas used for domestic purpose. There are some exclusions which may be
added to the standard policy, typically for an additional cost.
It is estimated that fire claims the lives of 4,000 Americans and
injures more than 25,000 each year. Typically a home fire can reek havoc
on you and your family so it is critical to prepare yourself for the
potential loss so if you are faced with an unfortunate circumstance such
as a fire, you will be prepared. It is important to take the following
steps:
- Develop a home fire escape plan and practice it regularly with your
family.
- Smoke alarms, properly installed and maintained, can provide an
early warning of a fire and, more importantly, save lives. They should
be placed immediately outside sleeping areas, at the top of open
stairways and on every level of your home. Test the detector once a
month and change the batteries twice a year.
- Some homeowners now have sprinkler systems in their homes. These
systems can also minimize fire damage and save lives. Small fire
extinguishers, strategically placed in your home, can help keep a small
fire from becoming a much larger one. These simple precautions can
minimize the property damage caused by a fire.
- To assist in proving a claim to your insurer, it is important to
keep a written inventory and videotape of household possessions,
receipts for the purchase of items, and/or a videotape or photographs of
your household and possessions. You should record the serial numbers of
any electronic or computer equipment.
- If you experience a major loss such as a fire, the first thing to do
is to notify your homeowners insurance company or its agent. You can do
this by telephone, although it is a good idea to follow up with written
notification.
For more information visit New York State Insurance Department website
at: http://www.ins.state.ny.us/press/2004/p0401221.htm.
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