Winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain.

The primary concern about winter storms is they can last for several days and have the ability to knock out power. Loss of power leads to no heat and communication services.

Traffic accidents on icy roads and hypothermia from prolonged exposure to the cold are leading causes of most deaths related to winter storms.

Know what to do before, during and after a winter storm. Select an option below.

Before

• Put together an Emergency Supply Kit.
• Turn on your TV, radio, smart phone, laptop, tablet, etc. for emergency information or instructions.
• Fuel your car in case you need to leave your home.
• Keep trees trimmed to prevent them from coming in contact with your roof.
• Remove animals from harm's way and into shelter.
• Have winter supplies on hand including:
  • Sand or rock salt
  • Snow shovel
  • Roof rake
  • Sufficient fuel for heating your home
  • Appropriate clothing (heavy coats, mitten or gloves, hat and blankets).
    

During

• Do not go outside even if the weather appears to have calmed. To ensure the storm has passed, turn on your TV, radio, smart phone, laptop, tablet, etc. or contact the local authorities.
• Eat regularly as food provides the body with energy and will produce body heat.
• Keep your body hydrated with water or warm broth or juices. Avoid drinking caffeine and alcohol as they both dehydrate the body.
  
  You should try to conserve heat because storms can last several days and it could take your fuel provider even longer to deliver fuel. To conserve fuel, keep your house cooler than normal. Temporarily block off heat to unused rooms by closing doors and stuffing towels in cracks under doors.

If you must drive:

• Travel during the day
• Don't travel alone
• Stay on main roads
• Tell someone your route and schedule

If you MUST go outside during the winter storm:

• Wear layered clothing, mittens or gloves and a hat. Layering clothes will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Mittens/gloves and a hat will prevent the loss of body heat.
• Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent the loss of body heat.
• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extremely cold air. Avoid taking deep breaths.
• Avoid overexertion when shoveling heavy snow. The strain of hard labor can cause a heart attack and sweating can lead to a chill and hypothermia.
  

After

• Avoid driving until road conditions have improved. Roads may be blocked by snow or emergency vehicles.
• Shovel the roof of your house and any other structure on your property. The weight of the snow can cause damage to any structure. Also, shovel your walk ways to make them easily accessible.
• Help a neighbor who might require special assistance: infants, elderly people and people with disabilities.
• Protect your property from further damage by using plywood, tarps or other materials to cover broken windows or holes in roofs.
  
  Make a list of your damaged property and do not dispose of it. Do not throw anything away as your insurance adjustor needs to inspect damaged items.
• Save receipts for any money you spend related to the loss. Your insurance company may need these to settle your claim.
• It's important to contact your NYCM Insurance Agent right away to report any damages to your property. You can also contact us directly at 800-234-6926. Customer Service is available 24/7/365.

Ice and Freezing Temperatures

Ice Dams:

Ice dams can build up at the lower edge of a sloped roof and gutter.

When the snow on a roof melts, the water starts to drain off the roof. It can refreeze at the roof's edge, where the temperatures are much cooler.

Ice buildups block water from draining off the roof. This forces water under the roof covering, into the attic and down the inside of the wall in a house.

Before

• To prevent ice dams:
  • Keep your attic ventilated. The cooler the attic is, the less melting and refreezing there will be.
  • Keep your attic floor insulated, as it will minimize the amount of heat rising through the attic from the house.
    
• Freezing Pipes:
  • Frozen water in pipes can cause pressure to build up. This can lead to bursting pipes.
    
• To prevent freezing pipes:
  • Wrap insulated sleeves around pipes. This will insulate pipes and protect them from possible freezing.
  • Keep your kitchen or bathroom cabinet doors open during extremely cold weather. This allows warm air from the house to better reach exposed pipes.
  • Keep all faucets on a slow trickle.
    
• Freezing Temperatures:
  • Insulate walls and attic.
  • Keep attached garage doors closed. This will help eliminate drafts in an attached house.
  • Remove the snow buildup on your roof. This will help avoid ice dams or snow damage to the roof.

After

• If you have an ice dam on your roof:
  • Fill a nylon sock with calcium chloride ice melt and position it vertically across the ice melt.
  • Do not chop ice off roof, as it will damage shingles.
  • Hire a professional as they have the proper equipment and experience to complete this job.
  • Contact a contractor to temporarily fix your roof to prevent any further damage to your home.
• Protect your property from further damage by using plywood, tarps or other materials to cover your roof.
• Make a list of your damaged property and do not dispose of it. Do not throw anything away as your insurance adjustor needs to inspect damaged items.
• Save receipts for any money you spend related to the loss. Your insurance company may need these to settle your claim.
• It's important to contact your NYCM Insurance Agent right away to report any damages to your property. You can also contact us directly at 800-234-6926. Customer Service is available 24/7/365.