With Winter Storms in season half the year, we want you to stay safe. Please consult the information below on how to prepare for the storm, protect life, and prevent property damage when preparing for a winter storm.

Check Your Supplies

• Make sure you have a snow shovel and ice melt to keep walkways clear and safe.

• Check that you have sufficient heating fuel for your home and fuel for your generator, if you have one.

• If you will be using a fireplace or wood-burning stove, you should have a good supply of dry, seasoned wood.

• Have warm clothing and blankets on hand, and stock non-perishable food items and necessary medications to last you and your family for several days.

Get Ready for a Power Outage

• Turn your heat up now, and close off any rooms that are not in use.

• Check pipe insulation, and if you lose power, allow water to run at a trickle to prevent pipes from freezing.

• Charge your battery-powered electronic and communications devices.

• Keep a battery-powered radio on hand to stay aware of changing weather conditions.

• Get out your flashlights, batteries, first aid kit and other emergency supplies.

Stay Warm – and Safe

• If you start a wood-burning fire, follow all fireplace or woodstove safety precautions.

• Do not use an oven or a range as a home heating device.

• If you have a generator, only use it outside, where there is sufficient ventilation.

• Test all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they work properly.

• Do not let candles burn unattended, and keep them away from combustibles. Battery-powered LED lights are a safe, energy-efficient alternative to traditional candles.

• If you have an ice dam prevention system, turn it on before the snow starts to fall.

Stay Inside – and Safe

• Drive only if you absolutely must, and be sure your car is outfitted with snow tires and has adequate fuel and an emergency supply kit.

• If you go outside to shovel snow, know your limits and try not to overtax yourself.

• Protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing layers of warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing.

• Stay away from downed power lines.

• Keep your pets inside, or make other suitable arrangements for them.

• Be prepared for power outages. It's important to know how to use generators and space heaters safely.

 Home Generator Safety Tips

Storms or natural disasters can have the ability to knock your power out for an extended period of time. During an outage, portable generators can offer temporary power, but there are potential risks associated with the use of these generators. Generators can be dangerous, and can lead to illness and injury, and even death if used improperly.

When using a portable generator, it is important to take precautions for your safety and the safety of those in your home. Follow these guidelines for safe generator use:

• Read the manufacturer's safety and operating manual before using your generator.

• Never leave your generator running when you are away from your home or business.

• Check your generator regularly during operation.

• Use caution when touching your generator as many areas become hot and can burn you.

• Be Sure Generator is Connected Correctly to Avoid Electrical Hazards

• Electricity supplied by a generator has the same hazards as your regular utility-supplied electricity. You can face additional risks if your generator bypasses safety devices, such as circuit breakers, that are built into your electrical systems. We recommend contacting an electrical contractor or the generator manufacturer for the proper installation of your generator.

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for properly grounding your generator to help avoid electrical shock.

• Be sure your hands are dry and that you are not standing in water before touching the generator.

• Never plug your generator into a wall outlet.

• Plug appliances directly into the generator using manufacturer-specified cords or three-pronged extension cords with the proper amperage rating for the intended use.

• Be aware that portable generators become hot while running and remain hot for a significant amount of time after they are shut down, creating a potential fire hazard.

• Never Operate a Generator Indoors

• Generators should not be operated indoors, in garages or basements, or near windows, vents or doors. Your generator should be kept well away from your home or business. A minimum distance of 25 feet is recommended; however, you should check your local ordinances and the manufacturer’s recommended practices for additional information. Be sure to take your neighbors/neighboring businesses' windows, vents and doors into account when positioning your generator. The exhaust from a generator can build up carbon monoxide (CO) – a colorless, odorless toxic gas – that can cause severe illness or even death.

• Maintain a clear space of three to four feet on all sides and above the generator to allow for proper ventilation.

• Help safeguard your home or business by installing battery-operated or plug-in/hard-wired with battery backup CO alarms. Be sure to routinely test them, and replace batteries as recommended by the manufacturer.

Refueling Your Heater Safely

You should always use caution when refueling your portable generator. There is a risk of fire or getting burned because of the nature of the task. Follow these safety tips to ensure you properly refuel your generator.

• Shut down your generator and allow it to cool completely before refueling. Gasoline, kerosene or other fuels used to run generators can ignite if spilled on hot engine parts.

• Do not try to refuel a generator while it is running.

• Make sure all generator fuels are stored and transported in approved containers.

  • Fuels should not be stored in or near your house or business. They should be stored in a separate, well-ventilated area or in an approved flammable liquids storage cabinet. Do not smoke around fuel containers or while refueling your generator.

Space Heater Safety Tips

In order to save money in the colder months, many people opt to use a space heater to heat one room rather than heat the entire structure. Regardless of your plan, it is important to be cautious. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that nearly 18,000 residential fires every year are associated with the use of room (space) heaters.

Space Heater Selection

Before purchasing a space heater, it is important to consider how it will be used. Will it be used for supplemental heat in colder rooms or other areas, or will it be used for emergency heat? As a general rule of thumb, electric space heaters are typically safer than portable fuel –burning models (e.g. natural gas, propane, kerosene.)

Remember to choose a unit that is listed or labeled by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories), CSA (Canadian Standards Association) or ETL (Intertek). This will ensure that the heater’s construction and performance meet voluntary safety standards.

Also, look for specific safety features that will shut the unit off under certain conditions. These can include:

• Overheating

• Low oxygen levels (aka oxygen depletion sensor)

• Tip-over switch

• Touch sensor (if the grill is touched)

Setup and Use

When setting up a space heater, remember to keep it at least 36 inches from any flammable or combustible materials and place it on the floor, unless it is designed otherwise.

Areas where space heaters are used should be free of flammable liquids. Do not put them on easily ignitable or combustible surfaces, such as rugs or carpets, or use them to dry wet clothing.

When using a fuel-fired space heater in an enclosed area, it is a good idea to leave a window or door partially open to allow for fresh air to enter. This will help prevent carbon monoxide (CO) buildup or a depletion of oxygen. Never take a gas-fired or kerosene heater into a confined space as the results could be deadly.

All unvented fuel-fired heaters manufactured after 1983 should be equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS). The ODS will shut off a heater if it detects a reduced level of oxygen in the area where the heater is being used.

For natural gas or propane-fired space heaters, remember the following safety tips:

• If you smell gas, do not attempt to light the space heater. Turn off all controls, open a window or door and leave the area.

• Remember that, unlike natural gas, propane is heavier than air and does not dissipate rapidly. If you smell gas, do not touch any electrical switches or use an electrical appliance, radio or telephone in the area you smell gas. Do not smoke. A spark could ignite the gas.

• Electric heaters should be kept out of wet or moist places like bathrooms as water could lead to a fire or shock hazard. Also, be sure to plug electric space heaters directly into an outlet  since using extension cords could result in overheating and fire.

• Be sure to clean your space heater regularly, and follow your manufacturer’s guide for specific advice on maintenance and inspection.

• Keep the Inside of your Home or Business Safe with Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

To help make your winter even safer, we recommend that you take the time to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. A smoke detector is the most effective way to detect smoke from a fire and signal an alarm so that you and your family can get out safely. A carbon monoxide detector can alert you to the buildup of this dangerous odorless and colorless gas. Make sure you test the detectors monthly, and after you change the batteries to ensure they work properly.

When Removing Snow From Your Roof

After a storm has passed, consider removing heavy snow accumulations from your roof. Heavy snow can cause structural problems for your home. It may also cause ice dams when it melts.

Snow-covered roofs can make for a picturesque scene, but the weight of the snow can cause problems. The combination of freshly fallen snow and the melting and refreezing of snow can add to the stress on your roof.

Clearing the first three to four feet of snow closest to the gutters or eave of your roof after each winter storm can help prevent ice dams from forming.

If you have a flat roof that is easily reached from an interior stairway, you may want to shovel the roof, but be careful not to damage the roof covering. When de-icing, remember to put safety first any time you are on a roof, especially one that is covered in snow and ice. If you have any doubt, leave it to the professionals.

If you have a sloped roof, it may be possible to remove the snow and ice using a roof rake – a long-handled tool designed specifically for this purpose. Stand on the ground and pull as much of the snow off the eaves as you can safely reach.

If you cannot reach the roof, many homebuilders, landscaping and roofing contractors, and property maintenance companies will remove snow and ice from roofs. Before hiring a contractor, We encourage you to check references. Always be sure your contractor is insured and bonded.

While the amount of snow and ice that your roof can handle may vary depending on a number of factors such as the roof type, age and condition of the structure, a good rule of thumb is if there is more than a foot of heavy, wet snow and ice on your roof, you should try to have it removed. We do not recommend using a ladder in snowy and icy conditions. This can be extremely dangerous and is best left to professionals.

Besides the danger of having snow on your roof, ice dams can also cause damage unless steps are taken to help protect your home.

Tips to Help Remove an Ice Dam From Your Roof

An ice dam has the potential to cause serious damage to both your roof and the inside of your home. It is important to take steps to help protect your home from the risks associated with ice dams.

How does an ice dam form?

What is an ice dam?

An ice dam can form when water from melting snow re-freezes at the edge of your roofline. Without roof snow removal, the ice dam may grow large enough to prevent water from draining off the roof. The water can then back up underneath the roof shingles and make its way inside your home.

Immediate steps you can take:

Remove snow from your roof after every storm. Use a roof rake to clear the first three to four feet of snow from your roof immediately after each winter storm to prevent ice dams from forming. While the amount of snow and ice that your roof can handle may vary depending on a number of factors such as the roof type, age and condition of the structure, a good rule of thumb is if there is more than a foot of heavy, wet snow and ice on your roof, you should try to have it removed.

Clear downspouts. An easy way to help snow and ice drain off your roof is to make sure the area around your downspouts is clear. This will make it possible for your gutters to drain when snow does melt. It will also help prevent flooding when the snow and ice melts.

Longer-term ice dam prevention:

Ultimately, the best prevention for ice dams is to eliminate the conditions that make it possible for them to form in the first place.

Insulate your attic. Make sure your attic is well insulated to help prevent the melting-and-freezing cycle that causes ice dams to form. Check and seal places where warm air could leak from your house to the attic, including vent pipes, exhaust fans, chimneys, attic hatches and light fixtures.

Install a water-repellant membrane. When replacing a roof, make sure to install a water membrane underneath the shingles. This acts as an extra barrier that helps prevent water from seeping inside the building.

Removing Ice Dams

Just because an ice dam is present does not necessarily mean water has penetrated the roof membrane. However, it is always best to remove ice dams before they have the opportunity to cause damage. To determine if you have damage, look for water stains or moisture in the attic or around the tops of exterior walls on the top floor.

If you can reach the roof safely, try to knock the ice dam off with a roof rake, or cut a channel through the ice to allow standing water to drain.

If you cannot reach the roof safely, consider hiring a contractor to remove it.

Another method is to fill a nylon stocking with calcium chloride ice melt and place it vertically across the ice dam so that it melts a channel through the dam. If you try this method, make sure you can safely position the ice melt on your roof, and make sure to use calcium chloride, not rock salt. Rock salt will damage your roof. Also be aware that shrubbery and plantings near the gutter or downspout may be damaged.

Look carefully at large icicles. If the icicles are confined to the gutters and there is no water trapped behind them, this does not indicate the presence of an ice dam. However, large icicles can pose a danger to people when they fall off. Try to safely knock the icicles off from the ground, making sure not to stand directly beneath them. If you cannot reach them safely from the ground, consider hiring a contractor to help.

Generally speaking, property owners are responsible for the cost of preventive maintenance. However, each claim is unique, and coverage and claim decisions always require an expert analysis by a licensed Claim professional. Keep in mind that the cost of snow removal is likely to be considerably less than the cost of roof damage or interior property damage caused by water leaks.

Business Insurance

The impending winter storm may bring an array of potential exposures and hazards to property, people and businesses. Here are some questions to consider as you prepare:

Do you know how much snow your building can safely handle? 

It is also essential to monitor weather and roof conditions during and after winter storms. Are you aware of the warning signs that the building structure may be under significant stress and perhaps in danger of collapse?

We hope these safety tip will help you to be better prepared for your next winter storm.