When winter rolls in across Ohio, it has a way of magnifying the smallest oversights into some of the costliest claims of the year. As temperatures dip, risks rise—burst pipes, chimney fires, ice dams, and mechanical failures all become far more common. The good news? Most cold-weather losses are preventable with a little preparation and awareness.
Before the first deep freeze arrives, here are the five essential steps every homeowner should check off their list:
1. Insulate Your Pipes
Frozen pipes remain one of the most frequent—and avoidable—winter insurance claims. When pipes freeze, they expand, crack, and can release thousands of gallons of water into your home.
Adding insulation to exposed pipes in basements, crawl spaces, attics, and exterior walls is an inexpensive step that protects your home (and your deductible) from a major water loss.
2. Clean Your Gutters
When gutters clog with leaves and debris, melting snow has nowhere to go. The result? Ice dams that back water up under shingles and into your home’s interior.
A simple gutter cleaning now can prevent roof leaks, drywall damage, mold growth, and unnecessary claims—especially during heavy snow cycles.
3. Inspect Fireplaces and Chimneys
As temperatures drop, fireplaces and wood-burning stoves become the centerpiece of cozy nights at home—but they also come with risk.
A professional chimney inspection ensures proper ventilation, checks for creosote buildup, and reduces one of winter’s most serious hazards: chimney fires. It’s a small annual step with huge safety benefits.
4. Test Your Sump Pump
Winter thaws and heavy rainfall can overwhelm a weak or failing sump pump. The last thing any homeowner wants is a flooded basement during the coldest months of the year.
Testing your pump—along with checking battery backups and discharge lines—helps ensure it will perform when you need it most.
5. Update Your Home Inventory
Holiday gifts, new furniture, and end-of-year purchases can significantly increase the value of your personal property.
Keeping an up-to-date home inventory—photos, serial numbers, receipts, or a digital list—helps speed up claims and ensures your coverage accurately reflects what you own. It’s one of the easiest ways to protect your investment and avoid surprises after a loss.
A Little Preparation Today Protects Your Tomorrow
Winter weather is unpredictable, but your protection shouldn’t be. A proactive approach helps prevent claims, keeps your home safe, and ensures your deductible stays exactly where it belongs—untouched.
If you haven’t reviewed your homeowners coverage or winter preparedness plan, now is the ideal time. The team at Haughn & Associates is here to help you stay warm, stay safe, and protect what matters most all season long.
