As the 8th snowiest state in the U.S., Massachusetts receives an average of 51.05 inches of snow every year. While the cold, harsh winter can be a challenge for many, preparing yourself well with some winter checklist in advance can help you stay warm and safe despite the freezing temperature.
Here are a few tips to help you get started on your winter checklist.
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Weatherproof Your Home
The first thing you would want to ensure is that your home is warm, liveable, and accident-free, no matter how cold it may be outside. To this end, make sure to:
- Get your furnace/ heating system serviced by professionals
- Clean your gutters and replace air filters
- Order and stock fuel (firewood, oil, gas) well in advance
- Inspect and repair your roof for broken shingles or any potential leakage
- Secure outdoor handrails to prevent slips and falls
- Insulate pipes to prevent them from freezing
- Get the generator ready in case of power failures
- Get a chimney sweep to clean the chimney
- Install a smoke detector and battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near your heating space
- Keep a multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher for emergencies
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Secure Your Heating Equipment
Fire hazards are at their peak during the winter months. Nonetheless, being vigilant with your heating equipment can help prevent such unfortunate disasters. To avert winter fires, make sure to:
- Service your heating equipment annually
- Clear unwanted stuff from rooms with boiler and furnace
- Maintain a 3-feet distance between your heating equipment and combustible storage
- Check oil levels and maintain fuel source
- Use stationary/ fixed heaters instead of portable/ temporary ones
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Be Storm Ready
Massachusetts experiences about five snow events every winter month, with its north-eastern and central parts being the worst hit. Thus, it’s essential to prepare your home and car for a potential storm. Apart from the tips mentioned above for weatherproofing your home, you should also:
- Regularly clean your parking lots, driveways, ramps, and walkways to prevent ice build-up
- Check and eliminate any water pooling around your property
- Clear out any existing snow piles before the next snowfall
You must also have an emergency car kit handy if you need to evacuate your home in the worst-case scenario. Make sure to keep the following in your car:
- Jumper cables
- Jack and lug wrench
- First-aid kit
- Bottled water
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- Shovel
- Road flares or reflective triangles
- Warm clothes (hat, gloves, jackets, etc.)
- Non-perishable food
- Ice scraper
- Matches/ Lighter
- Road maps
Note that this isn’t an exhaustive list. The requirements will vary depending on your family’s size and needs. Nonetheless, these are some essential items you shouldn’t miss out on.
These are how you can prepare yourself and protect your assets during the harsh winter. Meanwhile, having the right insurance coverage (such as homeowners insurance) in place will protect you from paying out of pocket in the event of unforeseen liabilities. To learn more about the different types of personal insurance and what they can do for you, contact our experts at CAV Insurance Agency today!