Did you know:
- Winter storms bring rain, ice, snow, cold
temperatures and often dangerous driving
conditions.
- Two of the 10 most costly insured catastrophes in
U.S. history were winter storms.
- In December 1983, wind, snow and freezing in 41
states caused estimated losses of $880 million.
- The March Blizzard of 1993 was the fifth most
costly insured catastrophe in the United States,
causing an estimated $1.75 billion in damage.
Before a Winter Storm:
- Make a written or videotaped inventory of
household possessions/property and store in a
safe place with insurance policies, documents and
other valuables.
- Keep a supply of extra blankets.
- Make sure each member of your household has
adequate winter clothing: at least a warm
coat, mittens or gloves, a hat and
water-resistant boots.
- Assemble a disaster supplies kit including:
first aid kit; essential medications;
portable, battery-powered radio; flashlight;
extra batteries; canned food; non-electric can
opener; and bottled water.
- Winterize your car before winter storm season
begins.
- Keep your car's gas tank full for emergency use
and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
- Take a first aid class from your local Red Cross
chapter to learn how to treat frostbite,
hypothermia and exposure to the cold.
After a Winter Storm:
- Call your independent insurance agent as soon as
possible.
- Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
- Delay permanent repairs until your insurer
approves reimbursement.
- Get any necessary construction permits from your
community.
- Keep all receipts.
- Prepare an inventory of all damaged or destroyed
personal property.
- Take photos of damaged areas.
- Save remnants of damaged or destroyed property
for your insurance company adjuster.
- Meet with your adjuster first, before signing
anything with contractors, lawyers or public
adjusters.
Back to Disaster
Tips
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Information provided
courtesy of Independent Insurance Agents of America
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