Home Hacks to Weather Winter Storms

With the cold winter season right around the corner, take these preventive steps now to winterize your home. When storms hit, you’ll be glad you did!

• Before firing up your furnace, boiler or chimney, have your heating system(s) serviced to make sure they are working properly. It’s a good idea to have these checked at least once a year.
• Carefully inspect pipes for cracks and leaks, and have them repaired as soon as possible. Insulate exposed pipes and seal cracks to prevent them from leaking or even bursting.
• Know the location of the main water shutoff valve. If your pipes freeze, the faster you shut off the water, the better chance you have of preventing them from bursting and causing major damage.
• Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly to make sure they are in working condition.
• Remove leaves, sticks and other debris from gutters so rain and melting snow can flow freely.
• Trim trees and remove dead branches. Ice, snow, wind and rain can cause weak trees and tree limbs to fall and damage your car or home – or fall on people walking on or near your property.
• Seal exterior cracks and holes.
• Be sure you have flashlights and a portable radio with extra batteries, any necessary medications, at least three days of water and non-perishable food for family and pets, a can opener, first-aid supplies, heating fuel, and a lighter and/or generous supply of matches.
  

Don’t forget insurance For information about auto and home insurance, visit AAA.com/Insurance call your AAA South Jersey Insurance Agent at 1-855-282-2275, or visit your local branch.