(File Photo of Winter Driving in Beaver Falls)
Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News
(Pittsburgh, PA) AAA is reminding owners of both vehicles and homes in Pennsylvania and beyond about the importance of being prepared for inclement weather as some of the most frigid temperatures of the winter are hitting a large portion of the country this week. Temperatures below freezing can wreak havoc on the heating system of a home as well as exterior features and plumbing. Winter is also particularly tough on tires and batteries of cars and maintaining both homes and vehicles during the strikes of cold is essential to reduce the risk of damage in the winter. According to a release from AAA East Central, here is some tips to protect your home and prepare vehicles for winter driving during the winter:
Home Protection
- Remove hoses from exterior faucets.
- Repair or replace weather stripping around windows and doors, vents and fans, plumbing, air conditioners and electrical and gas lines.
- Use caulk or insulation to seal all cracks, holes and other openings on exterior walls.
- Let faucets drip a little bit to prevent freezing pipes.
- Know where water shutoff valves are located so water can be turned off in case of an emergency.
- Air inside the walls, where pipes are, can be much colder than air in the room, so set the thermostat at a reasonable temperature, even if no one is home.
- Keep bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors open to let warm air circulate around the pipes.
Winter Damages Covered by Homeowners Insurance
- Winter comes with snow, and sometimes lots of it. A standard home insurance policy may cover the damage if a roof collapses or is damaged due to the weight of snow or ice from a storm. Another threat to homes in the winter season is cold snaps. Water left standing in pipes when the temperature drops may expand with enough force to cause it to burst, leading to severe water damage if the issue isn’t immediately identified. Damage caused by burst pipes and the repair costs are covered by most standard home insurance policies, if regular maintenance is performed and owners maintain heat in the building.
- Most damages not covered by insurance are due to homeowner neglect or lack of maintenance. These may include damage resulting from extreme cold due to failure to maintain heat in the home.
Be Proactive
- By taking the necessary precautions and preparing houses for winter, making an insurance claim this winter season can be avoided. Trimming threatening trees, shutting off water and draining pipes, and cleaning gutters are all things that can be done before it gets too cold. If a winter disaster does strike, having the right home insurance coverage will help. Review policies with a trusted agent to be sure everything is in order.
To prepare a vehicle for winter driving, AAA recommends the following tips:
- Have the vehicle’s battery tested. Last winter, AAA East Central contractors responded to more than 66,000 battery calls, the number one call received by the Club.
- Replace worn windshield-wiper blades. Purchase one-piece, beam-type or rubber-clad “winter” blades to fight snow and ice buildup. Use cold-weather windshield washer solvent and carry an ice scraper.
- Inspect tires. Make sure tires have adequate tread depth – at least 4/32” – as worn tires can affect a motorist’s ability to stop in slick conditions. An easy way to check for wear is by inserting a quarter into the tread groove. If the top of Washington’s head is exposed, the tread depth is less than 4/32″ and it’s time to replace tires. Also, check that the vehicle has a spare tire and keep it properly inflated. In harsh winter climates, a set of snow tires may be a wise investment.
- Carry an emergency kit equipped for winter weather. The kit should include sand or cat litter, a small shovel, flashlight, an ice scraper or snow brush, booster cables, a blanket, gloves or mittens and flares or reflective triangles.
- More AAA winter car care tips can be found by clicking here.
