News

10 ways to protect your property from winter weather

Posted on Dec 13, 2011

RSA reminds Canadians to stay safe this season.

With winter weather already affecting many cities in Canada, RSA is reminding Canadians about the simple steps they can take to protect their loved ones, home and business in the cold and wet conditions.

“Weather conditions can vary—sometimes quite drastically—across the different regions in Canada. Canadians in all areas, though, must be prepared for the unexpected,” said Irene Bianchi, vice president of claims and corporate services at RSA. “Not only can winter storms cause damage to your home, vehicle and business, they can be downright deadly.”
Here’s how to protect your home or business this winter.

1)    Water frozen in pipes can cause your pipes to break at their weakest point. To prevent freezing, fit exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or wrapping.
2)    Seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near water pipes
3)    Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells to allow warm air to circulate around pipes
4)    Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets connected to pipes running through an unprotected space. Or drain the water system if your home will be        unoccupied during cold periods.
5)    Consider applying an additional moisture barrier along the eaves of the roof to prevent water intrusion.
6)    No heat sources should be installed in non air-conditioned attic space. Keeping your attic cooler will prevent the snow from melting and refreezing on your roof.
7)    Ensure the floor of your attic is well insulated to prevent heat from escaping. No un-insulated recessed lights should be installed in an attic.
8)    All attic doors located in non-air conditioned spaces should be properly insulated, sealed, weather-stripped and all hidden penetrations (e.g. stack vents, partition walls, electrical chases) must be properly sealed and insulated.
9)    Trim weak branches or trees that could fall on your home under the weight of a heavy snowfall.
10) If you are away from your residence for more than four days, ensure that you have someone qualified to inspect your plumbing daily.

If your home or business has been damaged as a result of winter weather, follow these tips.

• If you lose power, turn off your appliances to avoid a power surge when power is restored
• Do NOT touch electrical wires, appliances or devices
• Use a flashlight, not a candle, as a source of light
• Check for any gas leaks and turn the valves off if one is found
• Separate damaged property from undamaged property, and prepare an inventory of what has been lost or damaged; take photographs of damaged property
• Keep receipts for any clean up costs incurred (i.e. shop vac rentals, cleaning supplies, etc.)
• Your insurance company is there to help. Contact your independent insurance broker or your insurance company to report any damage.

http://www.citopbroker.com/news/10-ways-to-protect-your-property-from-winter-weather-3099