Along with having the right home insurance in Astoria, New York, taking these steps can protect your home this winter.
Winter can brutal, especially on your home. That’s why it’s so important to prepare your home for the extreme weather conditions that it will face this winter. While having the right home insurance in Astoria, New York will cover damages to your home, you can take steps that could prevent these damages in the first place. Here are some things you can do to winterize your home this season.
Protect Your Pipes
During the winter, water in your pipes and freeze and cause your pipes to burst, leading to extensive and expensive damages. To prevent this, you should make sure that the pipes that run through unheated areas of your home are insulated. Additionally, if you are leaving your home, make sure that you keep the heat on. Keeping your home’s temperature at around 55° F should prevent your pipes from freezing over.
Repair Your Roof
No one wants to deal with a leaky, sagging roof in the middle of a snow storm. That’s why it’s so important to inspect your roof and make any necessary repairs before the worst of the winter weather hits. First, make sure your gutters and downspout are clear of any debris. If water and snow are unable to drain, then they might freeze on your roof causing damage. Additionally, you should look for any signs of wear and tear that might be exacerbated by winter weather conditions. Have these issues looked at and repaired by a professional to ensure that your roof will hold up this season.
Install Detectors
Finally, an important step in winterizing your home is making sure that you have smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor and in every sleeping area of your home. When temperatures drop, many people keep their heaters on constantly or look to other forms of heat such as gas stoves or wood fires. However, these things increase your chances of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. The best way to protect your loved ones from these risks is by having the appropriate detectors in place. If you hear your smoke or carbon monoxide detector go off at any time, quickly gather your loved ones and evacuate the home. Once everyone is safe, contact your local authorities to report the issue.
These are just a few of the steps you should take to prepare your home this winter. Remember, another way to be prepared for anything is by having the right home insurance in Astoria, New York. To find the best policies to fit your needs, contact the professionals at 01 Insurance. We are eager to assist you with all your insurance needs.