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Tips For Preparing Your House And Car For Winter From Barth Insurance.


Winter in Orange, CT

Winter in Orange, CT

Winter in New England puts unusual demands on both your home and your automobile. There are several steps you can take to save yourself money, time and stress in the middle of the cold winter. In addition to the obvious house maintenance items, there are some crucial preventative tasks that should be performed in order to lessen the chance of home repair issues arising due to the harsh winter elements. These often forgotten to-do’s are:

  • Drain water hoses in the house. (Water can freeze and cause hoses to burst and flood areas of the home).
  • Clean leaves from the storm drains. (Covered drains could result in a back-up and overflow of excessive water leading to flooded lower levels and basements).
  • Inspect your gutters for separations or clogs. (Improperly installed gutters can lead to ice damming causing dangerous icicles that when melted cause water to back up into the interior walls of the home resulting in serious water damage)
  • To save energy dollars, make sure your windows are caulked and doors properly sealed, check leaks in the attic or cracks in the chimney, etc.

Your car must also be able to stand up against winter so be prepared. Always keep jumper cables in the car or at least have your AAA or roadside assistance card on you at all times. It is also a good idea to keep an emergency supply kit in your trunk in case you find yourself stuck in inclement weather. Include items like water, a flashlight and a blanket. Get your tires checked and maintain fluids regularly because a car’s parts and equipment need to be in proper working order to bare the winter cold. If you can, store your car in a garage and be sure your heat and defrost are good to go.

Living in Connecticut means we are certainly accustomed to the Winter elements, but you can never be too prepared. As your local, family owned Insurance provider, Barth wants to put your mind at ease for the long New England winter. If you have any concerns about your home or automobile or questions about your homeowners and car insurance, you can reach us at 203-878-3181.