Although we may be trying to kid ourselves by wearing our shorts with warm hoodies this past week; we can no longer deny that the colder weather is hitting and bringing a Michigan-winter in its wake. While we might not love it, we do have to prepare our homes for the inevitability that this season brings.
Snow, rain, ice and freezing temperatures, are just some of the elements that could wreak havoc on your home, causing disaster and claims against your homeowners’ insurance policy. While our team of insurance experts are here to assist with any disaster that you might experience, we’d rather help you prevent winter damage altogether. Try these 5 tips now and prepare for the worst that Michigan winters have to offer:
#1: Focus on the outside of your home first
We recommend starting this one while the weather is still relatively decent. Take some time to check your eavestroughs, downspouts, roof, and seals around doors and windows for any potential threats. Simply clearing brush away from your home and out of your gutters can help ensure that melting snow and ice can drain away from your home easily. Not doing so could lead to leaks from improper drainage. Don’t forget your roof. Missing or ill-attached shingles could leave opportunity for leaks from above. Fix these small issues now while you can.
#2: Exposed pipes could put your home at risk
Exposed pipes are at risk for freezing when the temperatures start to drop. Look for exposed piping in basements, garage, attacks and crawl spaces and cover with extra insulation to help avoid cracks and flooding that lead to water damage. While we’re talking pipes, make sure any outdoor pipes have been turned off AND emptied.
#3: Chimney & fireplace maintenance
When is the last time you, or a professional, inspected your chimney to ensure it is in safe operating order? We recommend calling a professional to inspect and clean your chimney annually to prevent dangerous chimney fires. It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it.
#4: Working alarms could save your life
Beyond the impact to your homeowners’ policy, taking five minutes to ensure you have fresh batteries and working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors could save your life, or the lives of your loved ones. Make it a habit.
#5: Check Your Policy
At least once a year you should check your homeowners’ policy to ensure you are covered for any potential damage that might occur; and that you know your role & responsibilities to remain compliant. Our team at E&Y Agency Inc. can walk you through your policy and help you understand the fine print. We will ask questions that you might not have thought to ask and we’ll provide strategic direction to ensure you feel confident that you and your loved ones are protected.
About E&Y Insurance Agency and Tax Preparation Service
E&Y Insurance Agents are dedicated to giving our clients insurance products that provide quality protection and value pricing. Our goal is to establish a successful partnership with our clients, our staff members, and our insurance companies. Our success is measured by our clients choosing us because they believe in our ability to meet or exceed their expectations of price, service, and expertise. Call us now to talk about your insurance needs!
