Preparation and Damage Prevention Tips in Cold Weather

• Before severe winter weather takes place:

• • Insulate your outside walls, unheated areas and attic.
  • Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows to reduce wind drafts.
  • Install storm windows or cover windows with plastic film from the inside.
  • Detach all gardening hoses and shut-off water supply to outside faucets.
  • Install faucet covers to all external faucets.
  • Wrap pipes nearest exterior walls and in crawl spaces with pipe insulation or heating tape.
  • Allow faucets to drip lukewarm water, to minimize the chances of a pipe freeze.
  • Tag the location of your main water valve and make sure you can easily turn it on and off.
  • If you have a thermostat that uses a battery, be sure to replace it regularly.
  • Keep garage doors closed to help eliminate drafts in the attached house.
  • During power failures, disconnect your electrical appliances to avoid damage from power surges, which can occur once the power is restored.
  • Carefully remove snow build-up on your roof to avoid ice and snow damage to the roof or interior of the home.

• Review other resources on Allstate.com to minimize damages to your home:

• • Follow ice dam prevention tips and read Ice Dam brochure to minimize damage to your roof.
  • Follow precautionary steps to safeguard against your water pipes freezing.
  • Follow home winter safety tips to protect yourself and others on your property.
  • Be prepared for winter with additional cold weather facts or check out our tips to help you prepare for cold weather.

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