The same winter wonderland scene that gives us soft snowdrifts outside cozy living rooms can also serve up treacherous blizzards, freezes, and black ice.
Contrary to its name, black ice is actually clear and forms a frozen “glaze” that coats all kinds of surfaces and can cause slips, falls, and car accidents. It’s incredibly dangerous not only because of how slippery it is but also because it’s so hard to spot. Transparent and thin, it can hide in plain sight.
It frequently occurs on roads, sidewalks, porches, pathways, and driveways – in other words, surfaces we frequent to get where we’re going every day. Here are some ways to stay safe at home and on the road when conditions are ripe for black ice.
At Home
Besides your driveway, you probably have paved walkways or other hard-surfaced paths around your home. These tips will help reduce injury risk when ice is underfoot, and before it forms.
Unblock drains and gutters. This will help melting snow and ice go where you want it to, so it doesn’t freeze on walkways.
Keep up with snow shoveling. Make sure to keep up with falling snow so that it doesn’t melt and refreeze into a slipping hazard.
Put out a tarp. If freezing temps are on their way, lay out a tarp or cloth where you want to prevent black ice. This can include your car, porch, pathways, and the driveway.
Add some grit. You can sprinkle fine gravel, sand, kitty litter, wood ash or coffee grinds on surfaces to reduce slickness. A note of caution that some work better than others and some can leave a mess.
Consider a snow-melting mat. If you deal with freezing temps very often, you might want to look into heated driveway mats, which can be effective at preventing black ice formation.
During icy conditions
Clear out the snow. If snow has fallen, clear it out so the sun can dry the surface rather than melt the snow into ice.
Consider a de-icer. Use these with caution though (and probably as a last resort), as some can be harmful to pets, your yard, driveway, and the environment. Try not to over-salt, either, for the same reasons.
In the Car
When temps are at or below freezing, avoid driving if you can. But if you have to get on the road, keep these precautions in mind.
Check the tires. Tires are the only part of your car that touches the road. The less tread, the less traction. If they’re getting worn, replace them asap. Better yet, get winter tires.
Know your brakes. Standard brakes perform differently from anti-lock, or ABS, brakes, so make sure you know what kind you have and how they behave in snowy, icy, and other hazardous road conditions.
Do a winter safety check. Make sure your vehicle is prepped for winter safety (and stranding as a worst-case scenario!) – follow our tips here.
Double-check your car kit. All it takes is one small patch of black ice to cause a slide that lands you immobile on the roadside. Check that your emergency winter car kit contains everything you need.
Warm-up your car. Let your car warm up before getting on the road. When you feel the heat coming through the vents, it’s sufficiently warmed and ready to go.
Improve your visibility. Make sure you set out with 100% visibility. If your windshield is foggy inside or iced over on the outside, use our tips here to get it cleaned off and clear.
Take your time. Give yourself extra time to get where you’re going and be sure to drive much slower than you normally would – this will give you and other drivers more time to react if you need to.
Slow down and increase following distance. Give yourself and other drivers more room than normal – and never tailgate.
Know what to do in a skid. If your car goes into a skid, do not hit the accelerator or the brakes. Instead, steer gently in the direction of the skid, making sure not to jerk the steering wheel. Get the full step-by-step info here.
Your best bet against injuries caused by black ice is to use an abundance of caution, make prevention a habit and develop a “sixth sense” for spotting this wintertime danger. Stay safe out there!
This article is furnished by California Casualty. We specialize in providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Extreme weather events are becoming more severe and frequent. If you live in a region that gets snow and ice, these events can easily cause damage to your home, racking up losses and repair costs.
Here are some of the common ones to prepare for, coverage considerations, and how to prevent damage in the first place.
Frozen Pipes
One of the most common sources of wintertime home damage is water damage from frozen pipes. Losses are usually covered under your homeowner’s policy; however, keep in mind that some claims are denied if negligence is found (e.g. proper home temperature wasn’t maintained).
Protect against water damage:
Add extra insulation in attics, basements, and crawl spaces where pipes may be exposed to the cold.
During especially chilly spells, turn faucets on just enough for a very slow drip.
Shut off water to outside hoses and store them inside to protect them from extreme temps.
Read our post for more tips on preventing frozen pipes.
Ice Dams
Ice dams form when snow melts on your roof and refreezes before siphoning off. Once formed, they continue to grow with further melt/refreeze cycles. Over time, ice dams can damage your roof, sometimes springing leaks that let water into your home. While your homeowner’s policy should help cover damage to your roof and home (check your policy for coverage limits and details), it probably won’t cover damage to any personal belongings.
Protect against ice dams:
Remove snow from your roof regularly.
Ventilate your attic so that hot air doesn’t get trapped, warm a spot on your roof, and melt snow that can easily become an ice dam.
Turn down the heat in your home so as to prevent the roof warming that produces ice dams.
Check out our post on winter roof care for more ice dam-prevention tips.
Hail Damage
Roofs and windows are especially susceptible to hail damage. Make sure you understand your coverage and any hail exclusion that may apply. After a storm, inspect your roof for damage right away – remember, if damage goes unnoticed it can cause roof leaks months later that may not be covered.
Protect against hail damage:
Have your roof inspected every year in the fall and repair or replace missing or loose shingles or tiles.
If your area is especially prone to hail storms, look into installing hail-resistant asphalt shingles.
Wind Damage
Severe storms oftentimes bring severe winds. Although sometimes damage can happen with wind directly hitting your home, usually the real danger lies in what the wind can blow into or onto your home.
Protect against wind damage:
Keep up with trimming trees and branches that are leaning, weak, dead, or otherwise compromised or a threat to your home. Check out the top 7 signs of tree health issues here.
Inspect your home’s exterior for loose siding, gutters, and shutters.
Read all our tips on prepping for severe storms.
Injuries From Ice
Black ice is a slipping, injury, and accident risk wherever it forms – on roadways, driveways, walking paths, porches, decks, and steps. If a visitor slips and sustains an injury on your property and decides to sue, are you protected? Liability coverage is usually included as part of homeowners insurance and would kick in, in this case, to help with the person’s medical bills as well as your legal costs. That said, check with your agent to review your coverage limits and conditions.
Protect against black ice:
Be vigilant about snow shoveling so that snow doesn’t melt and refreeze on high-(foot)traffic areas.
Clear your gutters so that water goes down the spout like it’s supposed to, instead of onto walking paths.
See our article for more black ice safety tips.
Roof Collapse
Roofs can collapse if the weight of ice or snow on them is too much to bear. Insurance may help cover the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged or destroyed roof. And if your house is uninhabitable as a result, it may cover additional living expenses and/or hotel. Check to make sure you understand what your policy covers, as well as all limits and terms.
Protect against collapse:
Have regular annual roof inspections so you are aware of and can fix any issues that can cause structural vulnerabilities, weak spots, or problem areas.
If snow is piled too high for you to remove, or if your home is taller than a single story, look into hiring a professional snow removal service.
If you already have ice dams, get them removed professionally asap – ice dams can cause serious and costly damage.
Wintertime damage to your home can happen before you’ve even had time to think about it – and by then, it’s usually too late and you’re looking at losses, repairs, and the claims process. Protect your home before the storms roll in by making sure you’re covered and – even more important – have the kind of coverage you need.
This article is furnished by California Casualty. We specialize in providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
When temperatures start to dip and the days get shorter, snow and ice are soon to follow. If you live in a snow-prone area, it’ll soon be time to pull out the shovel, gloves, and boots and prep yourself for the snow shoveling season.
Here are some tips to stay ahead of the snow, protect yourself from injury, and make this necessary chore a little less taxing.
Before Shoveling: Prepare & Plan
Warm-up – Do some basic stretches to limber up and prevent injury.
Wear layers – Layers will keep you warm while allowing for full movement.
Start early – Shovel new snowfall before it melts and refreezes into a slipping hazard.
Make a plan – Before removing the snow, figure out where you’re going to move it to.
Choose the right shovel – Make sure your shovel fits your hands and frame. Choose from ergonomically-designed models that can reduce bending and strain.
Consider wax – Coating your shovel blade with wax (car wax is fine) will prevent heavy snow from sticking and freezing to the blade. This works best on metal shovels.
While Shoveling: Technique & Habits
Push, don’t lift – Pushing snow is easier on your body than lifting it. In times where lifting is unavoidable, be sure to:
Bend your knees and keep your back straight.
Position your feet hip-width apart and use your legs for leverage.
Avoid twisting with a loaded shovel.
Keep your shovel close to your body — This will help prevent injuries.
Keep it bite-sized – Shovel smaller loads rather than large ones. Also, focus on the powder rather than heavy ice.
Change up your grip – To prevent blisters and strain, switch up left- to right-handed shoveling. Also change it up with palm under/ palm over.
Take breaks – Especially if the snow is wet, be sure to hit pause every 20 or 30 minutes.
Stay hydrated – In cold weather, it’s easy to forget to hydrate, so be sure you have water available and remember to drink it.
Shovel snow while it’s falling – You’ll lighten your workload if you periodically remove snow while it’s falling.
Managing the Yard
While shoveling, keep your yard and home exterior happy by keeping these tips in mind.
Don’t let snow pile up – If branches are weighed down with snowdrifts, gently brush the snow off to prevent branches from bending under the weight and snapping. And when you’re shoveling near them, remember to not dump the snow on plants.
Make a windbreak – If it works for your yard, you can deposit each shovelful of snow to form a barrier that shields shrubs and plants from wind damage.
Clear snow from the dryer vent – A blocked dryer vent is a fire hazard and can put your family at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure your vents are clear of snow build-up.
Keep the fire hydrant clear of snow – If you have a fire hydrant at the front of your yard, make sure part of your maintenance is to keep it clear in case fire crews need to locate and use it.
If you park in the driveway – Clear a path to the driver door first, so that you don’t have to trudge through the snow to get to it.
As long as there’s snow, there will be snow shoveling. By using the tips above, you can make this task a bit easier and prevent injuries in the process.
This article is furnished by California Casualty. We specialize in providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Did you know that cooking fires in residential buildings happen more often on Thanksgiving Day than any other day of the year? Or that peak timing for fires is from 10am – 4pm — right when everyone’s preparing their turkey day feasts?
According to the National Fire Protection Association, unattended cooking is by far the number one contributing factor of cooking fires and fire deaths.
The following tips from NFPA will help you avoid the common pitfalls and serve up a holiday full of delicious dishes, happy memories, and a safe celebration.
Remember to:
Stay in the kitchen when cooking as much as possible:
If you’re frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food and need to leave the kitchen for even a short time, turn the stove off until you return.
If baking, simmering, or roasting, check it regularly, stay in your home, and use a timer to remind you when it’s close to done.
While cooking turkey, check on it frequently, and do not leave your home.
Test your smoke alarms a few days before the holiday to make sure they’re working.
Keep oven mitts, food packaging, towels, and any other flammable materials away from your stovetop.
Keep the kitchen floor free of tripping hazards.
Don’t use the stove or stovetop if you’re sleepy or have consumed alcohol.
Be mindful of children:
Keep them at least 3 feet away from the stove.
Make sure knives, electric cords, and matches/lighters are out of reach.
Ensure they stay away from hot food and liquids.
Never leave them alone in a room with a lit candle.
Prevent a Fryer Fire
Deep frying turkeys is all the rage — and unfortunately causes plenty of fires and injuries every year. If you plan to fry this year, follow these safety tips from the U.S. Fire Administration:
Only use a unit specifically made for frying turkeys — don’t try to adapt cookware you already have.
Only use the fryer outdoors on a sturdy, level surface that is a safe distance from anything flammable. Remember that fryers can easily tip over, spilling hot oil. Maintain a 3-foot zone free of kids and pets to protect against injuries.
Make sure your turkey is fully thawed before frying it — a partially frozen bird will cause hot oil to splatter.
Ensure that you use the correct amount of oil. An overfilled fryer will spill over when the turkey is placed inside.
Do not leave the fryer unattended. A 15-pound turkey will take about 45 minutes to cook, so prep in advance so that you can stay outside the whole time.
Use gloves and have extra potholders and supplies nearby. The pot, lid, and handles of the fryer can get very hot.
In Case of Emergency
A small grease fire can erupt suddenly — even despite best efforts at prevention. Here are some basic steps from the NFPA if one erupts on your watch.
For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
If on the stovetop, smother flames by putting a lid or baking sheet over the pan, taking it off the heat, and turning the burner off. Leave the pan covered until completely cooled.
Do NOT pour water on a grease fire — it will make it worse or even spread the fire. A lid or cooking sheet is best; pouring baking soda or salt on small flames can also help extinguish them.
When in doubt, get out of the house. Close the door behind you and call 911.
The holidays are busy. Between cooking and hosting time and focus can feel scant. To let you focus on cooking — safe cooking, that is — enlist the whole family to help. Tasks such as shopping, decorating, and cleaning can be delegated. While in the kitchen, make sure someone else is on point for entertaining and taking care of things in the rest of the house. Finally, prepare activities (games, puzzles, books, etc.) ahead of time for children so that they’re occupied and out of the kitchen.
And most important: enjoy that precious time with your family — over a delicious, beautiful meal!
This article is furnished by California Casualty. We specialize in providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Reducing your home energy usage is good for several reasons. First and foremost, it keeps money in your pocket. But it also lightens the load on local power grids and the environment — a win-win all around.
Try some or all of the 12 steps below to save on your energy bill while staying cozy and comfortable in your home. They’re easier than you think!
1.Let the Light Shine In
Use the sun’s heat (bonus: it’s free!) to your advantage! Open curtains and blinds on your south-facing windows during the day to let the heat in and then close them at sunset to keep it in.
2. Leak-Proof Your Home
Inspect your home for leaks (get tips from energy.gov on detecting air leaks here). Often invisible, leaks can wreak havoc on your energy bill. Use weather stripping and caulking to seal leaks and keep warm air inside. While you’re at it, insulate your ducts, which can be a significant source of heat loss.For windows that you rarely use during winter, get plastic window kits to further leak-proof.
3. Bump the Temp Down
Just by setting your thermostat a few degrees lower, you can immediately begin saving. Consider installing a programmable thermostat for even more time- and energy-efficiency.
4. Pay Attention to Your Water Heater
Water heaters account for about 17 percent of a home’s energy use – adding up to about $400-600 per year for the average household. Bring that down by:
using less hot water
setting your water heater’s thermostat to 120 degrees F.
buying an energy star model when it comes time to replace it
fixing leaks
washing clothes in cold water
installing low-flow showerheads and faucets
5. Check the Fireplace
When not burning a fire, keep the damper closed. Consider installing tempered glass doors and an air exchange system that blows warm air back into the room. Check the seal on the flue damper and make sure it’s tightly sealed. Finally, add caulking around the hearth. If you never use your fireplace, plug and seal the flue.
6. Maintain Your Heating System
Have a professional check and tune-up your heat pump or furnace once a year. This could lead to big savings. Make sure they also replace any clogged filters, which can make your furnace work harder, thereby raising energy costs (you can also check and replace filters yourself).
7. Close Unused Vents
In rooms that are rarely used, fully or partially close the vents to redirect heat to other rooms.
8. Use Ceiling Fans
Everyone knows heat rises, which means the air you’ve paid to heat rises and collects at the tops of rooms. This can be especially costly in homes that have high ceilings. Use your ceiling fans to push warm air downward – just make sure they’re set to run in a clockwise direction.
9. Check Your Insulation
If your attic doesn’t have at least 11 inches of insulation, you’ll most likely lose heat through the upper level of your home.
10. Recycle That Hot Air
After cooking, leave the oven door open a crack to let the heat help warm the house. Bonus? You get to savor the delicious smell of those cookies, baked goods, or dinner a little longer.
11. Space Heaters
Portable heaters are a good cost-saving option if you and your family are hanging out in one room for any length of time, or if you’re the only one home and are stationary (like working in a home office). But remember to use caution whenever using space heaters – according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, these heaters cause more than 25,000 residential fires per year. Follow the heater instructions carefully and always unplug them when not in use.
12. Bundle Up
Sweaters, socks, and cozy blankets really do make a difference.
By making a few tweaks in your home and modifying some behaviors, you’ll begin to see cost and energy savings in no time.
And as we transition from winter to spring and summer, check out our companion piece on lowering your cooling costs.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
Water expands when it freezes. This simple law of nature underlies all the damage, repair costs, and headaches associated with frozen or burst pipes.
The pressure of expanded, frozen water in your pipes can cause bulges, cracks, and burst joints, leading to leaks, flooding, and other expensive damage to your home.
By using the checklist below, you can take steps to prevent issues inside and outside your home and be ready to act if you suspect a frozen pipe.
Interior Checklist – Protect Pipes Inside Your Home
Use this list to take steps around your home to prevent frozen pipes.
Keep interior doors open – Open bathroom and kitchen cabinets to let warmer air circulate around the pipes.
Close the garage – If you have water lines in the garage, make sure the door’s closed so they stay warmer. Consider adding insulation to them if they’re accessible.
Seal gaps – Seal up holes and cracks where pipes run through floors or walls to keep cold air from getting in and cooling the pipe. You can use caulk or spray foam insulation. If possible, seal from both the outside and inside.
Add extra insulation – Attics, basements, and crawl spaces are typically cold, so adding insulation will keep temps up a bit. Fitting exposed pipes with foam rubber or fiberglass can be an easy and inexpensive option.
Allow a drip – Letting cold water drip from the faucet (especially of exposed pipes) will help prevent pipes from freezing. A trickle is all you need.
Keep the heat on – Especially during especially cold spells. Keep thermostat set to the same temp both day and night. A slightly higher heating bill for this short time is preferable to potential repair and damage costs.
Exterior Checklist – Protect Pipes Outside Your Home
After surveying your home’s interior, take this checklist outside.
Hose patrol – You’ll need to remove, drain and store outdoor hoses. Shut off water to outdoor faucets, then turn on the faucet so any remaining water drains. Disconnect hose from the faucet, coil it into a 2-foot diameter loop, and store inside to protect from extreme temperatures.
Drain the swimming pool – Drain the pool, pool water supply lines, and the sprinkler supply lines. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and never use antifreeze in the lines.
Consider heat tape – Heat tape is the umbrella term for a variety of cords and cables that you can use to insulate outdoor pipes to keep them from freezing. They can also be used to prevent ice dams in your gutters. There are self-regulating and thermostat-controlled models, and all are customized to the pipe(s) you’re protecting. If you go this route, make sure to do your research and follow the manufacturer’s instructions exactly.
If You Suspect a Frozen Pipe
Vigilance during cold weather is key, as you can often head off the worst damage if you catch a freeze in time. Here’s how to thaw a suspected frozen pipe:
Locate the problem pipe – If you turn on a faucet and get no water or only a trickle, the pipe it’s connected to may well be frozen.
Open the faucet – This will relieve the pressure on the pipe as you thaw it. If the faucet has handles for both warm and cold water, open both.
Apply heat – Always start at the faucet and work down the pipe. Depending on the location of your pipe, use an electric hair dryer, portable space heater, towels soaked in hot water, or an electric heating pad (NEVER an open flame) to gently warm it back up. Have a family member watch for activity at the faucet. Apply heat until the full water pressure is restored.
Check other pipes – Depending on how your plumbing system is set up, one frozen pipe may mean several (if they’re connected). Check all that you can and repeat the above process for any that are frozen.
Not only can frozen pipes cause expensive structural damage to your home but they can also cause health and safety issues for your family, pets, or livestock by cutting off your freshwater supply.
Use the above tips before and during cold weather events to keep your home and family safe. Check out more tips on preventing frozen pipe here.
This article is furnished by California Casualty. We specialize in providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
